Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia'
IntermediateHygrophila lancea 'Araguaia'
A small Hygrophila with very narrow, linear red-brown leaves and a conspicuous pale midrib. Under strong light it branches into a low, creeping bush. Named after a Brazilian river, it is actually thought to be an Asian species.
About
Hygrophila 'Araguaia' became known as Hygrophila sp. 'Araguaia', a stem plant of the Acanthaceae. The name suggests the Rio Araguaia in eastern Brazil, but its origin is unclear. Dieter Wasshausen of the Smithsonian Institution identified it as H. lancea, a species not known from South America but distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia; Tropica likewise notes signs that it is H. lancea from Japan and Hong Kong. A quite different-looking plant, 'Sarawak', is also sold as H. lancea. The submerged form identifies it: under strong light it produces creeping to spreading, branched stems with very narrow, straight, linear leaves held horizontally to obliquely upward, red-brown with a conspicuous pale midrib. Most plants are sold emersed, with stout upright stems, larger narrowly lanceolate, dark green hairy leaves and pale violet flowers in the axils, so they look completely different at first. It has great potential for aquascaping but relatively high requirements. Tissue-culture plants are sold by specialist shops in Japan.
Size of the Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia'
The Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia' grows to 10–20 cm tall, 6–15 cm wide.
Temperature & humidity for the Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia'
The ideal temperature for the Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia' is 24〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Asia (the trade name refers to Brazil's Rio Araguaia, but H. lancea is Asian)
Lifespan
Perennial; maintained by cuttings
Size
10–20 cm tall, 6–15 cm wide
Temperature
24〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Needs CO2 and good nutrition
Growing Tips
Lighting
Strong light gives the creeping habit and red-brown colour; weak light does not.
CO2 & Fertilizer
Needs CO2 (roughly 25–40 mg/L); good nutrition deepens the colour.
Water Temperature & Quality
Optimum 24–28°C in soft (KH 0–7°dH), slightly acidic water (pH 4.5–7).
Substrate & Attachment
Emersed plants take time to switch to submerged growth. Plant in the fore- or midground.
Trimming & Propagation
Pinching the tips promotes branching and keeps it bushy; cuttings can be replanted.
Cautions
The emersed plant you buy looks very different from the submerged form. Never release plants into the wild.
Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia'?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia'?
The ideal temperature for Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia' is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia' get?
The mature size of Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia' is 10–20 cm tall, 6–15 cm wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia'?
Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia': watering & fertilizer — Needs CO2 and good nutrition. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia'?
The price of Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act or Species Conservation Act. No Hygrophila variety is registered in Japan's plant variety protection database (as of September 2026). Never dump aquatic plants into rivers, ponds or ditches, or flush them away with tank water. Drain unwanted plants and trimmings and dispose of them as household waste.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Aquatic Plant Tank Used Soil and Substrate Disposal and Recycling Methods | Correct Disposal Methods and Reuse Tips
Explains the correct disposal methods for used substrate in aquatic plant tanks. Introduces the proper disposal procedures according to local municipal rules and the concept of reuse for short-term usage.
Beginner-Friendly Aquatic Plants Without CO2 Supplementation | Cultivation Conditions and Tank Layout Strategies
You can create a beautiful aquarium without expensive CO2 equipment. This guide explains practical methods for selecting CO2-free aquatic plants that beginners can successfully grow, from cultivation conditions to tank layout strategies.
How to Care for Rotala and Bring Out Beautiful Red Color | Methods to Achieve Vibrant Red Through Light Intensity, CO₂, and Trimming
This guide explains the light intensity, CO₂, and fertilizer management needed to bring out red coloration in the popular Rotala genus used in aquatic plant layouts, as well as trimming techniques to maintain beautiful, lush growth.
Rare Attachment-Type Aquatic Plants Beyond Anubias, Bucephalandra, and Willow Moss | The Charm of Distinctive Varieties like Bolbitis
Beyond the standard attachment-type aquatic plants—Anubias, Bucephalandra, and Willow Moss—there are distinctive attachment-type aquatic plants like Bolbitis. This article introduces their charm, cultivation tips, and how to incorporate them into aquascaping layouts.
🩺 Common diseases
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.