How to Grow Hygrophila sp. 'Chai': The Ultimate Care Guide for This Rare Aquatic Plant

Hygrophila lancea 'Pink Chai' is an extraordinary plant for aquascaping enthusiasts, distinguished by its vivid pink and red hues. It's demanding enough to suit advanced aquarists more than beginners, but for those up for the challenge, it can become the showpiece of a tank.

What Makes It Unique

Hygrophila sp. 'Chai' is a relatively rare aquatic plant known for colors ranging from pink to deep red — a striking contrast against typical green aquascapes. Its upright growth and delicate leaves suit the midground or background of a layout.

Lighting

High light intensity is the single most important factor for holding this plant's color. Under weak light it fades to pale green. Aim for 60–80 PAR or more, 8–10 hours a day, positioned so the plant gets direct light rather than shade from taller neighbors.

CO2

CO2 is essential here, not optional — without it, Chai struggles to grow well or hold color. Target 20–30 ppm, paired with the strong lighting above.

Water Parameters

Soft, slightly acidic water suits it best: 72–82°F, pH 6.0–7.0, 2–8 dGH hardness. Stability matters more than hitting an exact number — sudden swings stress this plant more than most.

Fertilization

Regular fertilization, especially iron, keeps the color vivid. A comprehensive liquid fertilizer dosed weekly is a good baseline in a high-tech setup.

Planting and Propagation

Aquasoil or another nutrient-dense substrate supports strong roots; inert substrates need extra fertilization to compensate. Propagate by cutting healthy stems and replanting them — the original base will branch out from the cut, and regular trimming keeps growth compact rather than leggy.

A Good Starting Point

Our Hygrophila Pink Chai Vitro Culture ships pest- and algae-free, which matters for a plant demanding enough that you don't want to be fighting contamination on top of everything else.

Common Issues and Fixes

Algae on the leaves usually means light and CO2 are running ahead of your maintenance routine — add algae-eating shrimp or dial back the photoperiod slightly. Melting or fading color points to unstable water or insufficient light; stabilize parameters first, then increase light and check CO2 consistency. Leggy growth means light or CO2 is falling short of what the plant needs to stay compact.

Tank Mates

Tetras, rasboras, and other small community fish do well alongside it, as do Amano shrimp, cherry shrimp, and Nerite snails. Avoid large, aggressive fish like cichlids that may uproot or shred its delicate leaves.

Keep Reading

• How to Grow Ludwigia 'Pantanal' in Your Aquarium
• Why CO2 is Essential for a Healthy Planted Aquarium?