Hygrophila lancea “Araguaia” Sharp Leaf potted form

Description

Hygrophila lancea “Araguaia” Sharp Leaf
Araguaia Hygrophila

This plant has a somewhat uncommon appearance that can grow both emerged or submersed w very narrow leaves that are reddish-brown. This is a Creeping to bushy growth habit
Rather slow growth

This Hygrophila was named after the Brazilian river Araguaia in trade, however, later on it was identified as the Asian species Hygrophila lancea. Underwater it grows lineal reddish-brown leaves with a lighter-colored central vein. It’s stems have a creeping growth habit, and forms low bushes. It needs a good CO2 supply for best growth. Trimming the leaves maintains the bushy form. Hygrophila lancea “Araguaia” needs intense lighting, and in contrast to most other Hygrophila species it is a rather slow grower. Usually it is sold in its emerged form and differs very much from the underwater form, which develops after it has been placed in the aquarium.

This narrow-leaved creeping Hygrophila from South America, was identified by Dieter Wasshausen (Smithsonian Institution, Washington) as Hygrophila lancea, a species from Asia. It is widely spread among hobbyists in the USA, but only recently also in Europe.

To be continued…

Complete botanical name Hygróphila láncea Miq.
Family Acanthaceae
Genus Hygrophila
Difficulty medium
Growth medium
pH value 4 – 7
Temperature tolerance 52 – 87°F
Carbonate hardness 0 – 7°dKH
General hardness 0 – 30°dGH
Propagation Cuttings
Can grow emersed? yes