Hygrophila lancea ‘Chai’ narrow leaf

Hygrophila lancea ‘Chai’ narrow leaf is a striking variegated cultivar of Hygrophila lancea “Araguaia” that occurred at South Island Aquarium in Singapore. It is still rarely available outside of Asia. Its narrowly linear, curved leaves have a green zone in the middle while the edge is white to pink. Its colour tones resemble Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Flamingo’ and ‘Pink Panther’. As well as normal “Araguaia”, submerged Hygrophila lancea ‘Chai’ has a rather spreading and ramified growth habit.

We recommend rather strong lighting, CO₂ addition and good macro- and micronutrient supply. ‘Chai’ grows slowly, and occasional trimming of the shoot tips maintains its low, bushy growth. As well as other stem plants, it can be propagated by cuttings.

‘Chai’ provides a unique light pink colour accent in the midground to foreground, best as a smaller bushy group. It contrasts strongly with dark plants and decoration materials. This variegated Hygrophila is also interesting for emersed setups such as paludariums and Wabi-Kusa.