Plant atlas

Geographical Origin and Habitat: This attractive species originates from the basin of the Araguaia River, located in the warm regions of central Brazil. In nature, it grows primarily as a marsh plant along the shores of watercourses and on exposed sandbanks, adapting to both seasonal flooding and emersed phases. This dynamic habitat gives it great adaptability to environmental variations, although in the aquarium it requires stable conditions to best express its compact growth habit and intense

Color & Texture: ation.

Taxonomy & Genetics: Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia' belongs to the family Acanthaceae. For a long time, it was erroneously marketed under the name 'Staurogyne sp. Araguaia' due to its creeping growth habit similar to that of Staurogyne repens. Morphological and genetic studies later confirmed its placement in the genus Hygrophila, identifying it as a geographic variant or cultivar of the species lancea, which is renowned for its narrow, lanceolate leaves.

Physical Structure: Under intense lighting, the plant develops an exceptionally compact, almost creeping growth habit, with branched stems that spread laterally. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem and are extremely narrow, linear, or needle-like, resembling small pine needles. Under optimal conditions, the plant height remains contained between 10 and 15 centimeters, making it ideal for creating dense decorative bushes.

Color & Texture: The most spectacular feature of this plant is its color range, which varies from reddish-brown to intense purplish, enriched by a bright silvery central line along the main leaf vein. The leaves have a leathery and slightly rough texture to the touch, which contrasts nicely with surrounding soft-leaved plants. The underside of the leaves often maintains lighter, silvery tones that reflect light, creating a suggestive three-dimensional visual effect.

Lighting & CO2: This plant is extremely demanding in terms of light; it requires intense illumination (at least 0.5 watts per liter or high PAR) to maintain its creeping habit and reddish hues. If light is insufficient, the internodes elongate and the leaves lose color, turning green. A constant supply of CO2 (15-30 mg/l) is essential to prevent decline and stimulate healthy growth.

Nutrition & Substrate: A fertile substrate rich in iron is highly recommended to ensure a robust root system. Hygrophila 'Araguaia' also absorbs many nutrients through its leaves, so balanced liquid fertilization in the

Water Chemistry: Prefers soft to moderately hard water, with a slightly acidic or neutral pH between 4.5 and 7.0. Conductivity should be kept at medium values, and regular water changes are necessary to prevent the accumulation of organic substances that would encourage the appearance of filamentous algae on its medium-slow growing leaves.

Space Management & Placement: Its ideal placement is in the foreground or midground of the aquarium. As a medium-slow growing plant that spreads mainly in width, it must be positioned in areas free from shading caused by taller plants, ensuring it receives direct light over the entire surface of the bush.

Pruning: Pruning should be carried out regularly by cutting the tops of stems that grow too tall. This stimulates the emission of lateral shoots, making the bush even denser and more compact. Cut parts can be replanted in the substrate to propagate the plant or to expand the existing group.

Risks & Diseases: It is particularly sensitive to potassium and iron deficiencies, which manifest quickly as small holes on the leaves and loss of coloration. The leathery, moderately slow-growing leaves are also an ideal target for brush or filamentous algae if nutrients in the aquarium are not perfectly balanced or if water flow is inadequate.