🌿 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia'
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Common Name: Araguaia
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Origin: Asia (despite the name referencing a river in Brazil — it's a bit of a naming mystery)
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Family: Acanthaceae
🪴 Appearance
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Color: Reddish-brown to deep wine red under strong light
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Leaves: Long, narrow, slightly curved with pointed tips
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Height: ~5–15 cm (2–6 inches)
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Growth habit: Low-growing and bushy with regular trimming
💡 Care Requirements
| Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Medium to high (brings out reddish tones) |
| CO₂ | Highly recommended for compact, healthy growth |
| Substrate | Nutrient-rich preferred |
| Temperature | 22–28°C (72–82°F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderate |
🌱 Growth & Propagation
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Growth rate: Moderate
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Propagation: Cut stem and replant tips
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Trimming: Encourages bushier growth and more vibrant color
⚠️ Tips & Notes
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Great for midground use due to its low, spreading habit.
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Benefits from regular pruning to stay compact—otherwise, it can get leggy.
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Under low light, color fades and it may grow too tall or thin.
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Its color and shape contrast beautifully with green carpeting plants like Monte Carlo or HC Cuba.
🌟 Aquascaping Use
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Excellent in nature-style or Dutch aquascapes for creating color zones or soft transitions between foreground and background.
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Pairs beautifully with hardscape elements like lava rock, wood, or gray Seiryu stone.
If you want a splash of red without going for a fast-growing stem like Rotala, this is a chill, elegant option that plays well with others. Want layout ideas or tank mates that enhance its look?
