Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia'

Hygrophila Lancea 'Araguaia' - The Perfect Aquarium Plant 

Aquarium enthusiasts favor Hygrophila lancea "Araguaia" because of its distinctive coloration and form which makes it ideal for planted tanks. The true origins of Hygrophila lancea "Araguaia" remain uncertain despite its name association with the Araguaia River in Brazil which causes classification debates.

Description 
Scientific Name: Hygrophila lancea "Araguaia" 
Family: Acanthaceae 
Leaf Shape & Color: 
Narrow, lance-shaped leaves. 

The plant exhibits a color spectrum from deep green to reddish-brown which becomes more intense when exposed to high light levels and nutrient-dense conditions.

Growth Habit: 
Compact, bushy growth. 
Regular trimming helps stems remain strong while also promoting dense growth.

Care Guide 

Water Conditions 
Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F) 
pH: 6.0–7.5 

Hardness: The recommended water hardness for this plant ranges from soft to moderately hard between 3 and 12 dGH.

Lighting 
Plant needs moderate to high light intensity to preserve compact growth and produce vibrant coloration. Insufficient lighting can result in plants with elongated stems and faded colors.
Nutrients 

Optimal growth occurs when plants are placed in nutrient-rich substrate and receive regular fertilization.
Micronutrient application on a routine basis boosts its red coloration.

CO2 Injection 
To achieve healthy plant growth and vivid coloration CO2 injection proves essential. In low-tech setups the plant survives but shows decreased growth and color intensity.

Trimming & Propagation 
Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth. 
Propagation is simple: Take stem cuttings that contain several nodes and place them back into the substrate. Roots develop from nodes. 

Uses in Aquascaping 

Midground Planting: 
This plant's dense structure and bright color make it perfect for placement in the midground area of an aquascape.

Color Contrast: 
The plant’s reddish colors create a visually striking contrast with green plants such as Cryptocoryne and Rotala species.

Highlighting Focal Points: 
This plant functions as an eye-catching accent next to rocks or driftwood features in aquascaping.

Challenges 
The moderate growth rate of this plant requires a patient approach from the aquascaper.

This plant shows sensitivity to algae growth when exposed to high lighting conditions without sufficient CO2 and nutrients.

The Hygrophila lancea "Araguaia" thrives into a stunning centerpiece for planted aquariums when maintained correctly while enhancing the overall depth and vibrancy of aquascapes. Please tell me if you are interested in companion plants or aquascaping ideas!