{"product_id":"horizon-hygrophila-sp-chai","title":"Horizon - Hygrophila sp. Chai","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHorizon Hygrophila sp. 'Chai'\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eHygrophila\u003c\/em\u003e sp. 'Chai'\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known as \u003cem\u003eHygrophila lancea\u003c\/em\u003e 'Chai', is a rare variegated aquarium plant admired for its delicate pastel-pink, cream, and light-green foliage. Its narrow leaves feature green centres surrounded by pale pink to almost white margins, creating a distinctive colour accent unlike the deeper reds commonly found in planted aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis compact variety grows with a low, spreading habit and produces side shoots that gradually form a small, bushy group. Its miniature size makes it especially suitable for foreground and midground placement, where the unusual foliage can be displayed against dark rocks, driftwood, carpeting plants, or deeper green species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough it belongs to the generally adaptable Hygrophila group, 'Chai' is significantly more delicate than most of its relatives. It grows slowly and performs best in a mature, stable aquarium with strong lighting, consistent CO₂ injection, balanced fertilisation, clean water, and gentle circulation. When provided with suitable conditions, it develops compact growth and maintains its highly prized pink variegation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Plant Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compact Creeping Stem Plant\u003cbr\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow\u003cbr\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Advanced\u003cbr\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foreground to Midground\u003cbr\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 5–10 cm\u003cbr\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eLighting Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e High\u003cbr\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eCO₂ Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strongly recommended for reliable growth\u003cbr\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003ePropagation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Head cuttings, stem cuttings, and side shoots\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to Moderately Hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRare pastel-pink, cream, and green variegated foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCreates a unique colour accent without using traditional red plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompact growth is suitable for nano and detailed aquascapes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eExcellent for foreground and midground placement\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eContrasts beautifully with dark hardscape and deep green plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDevelops a small, bushy group through natural side shoots\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCan be grown submerged or in humid emersed displays\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA rewarding collector plant for experienced aquascapers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;\"\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003cth style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px; text-align: left;\"\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n      \u003cth style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px; text-align: left;\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHygrophila lancea\u003c\/em\u003e 'Chai'\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrade Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHygrophila\u003c\/em\u003e sp. 'Chai'\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eChai Hygrophila\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eAcanthaceae\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eCultivated mutation first reported from Singapore\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eCompact Creeping Stem Plant\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eForeground to Midground\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eApproximately 5–10 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eSlow\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eHigh\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCO₂\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eStrongly recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e20–28°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e5.5–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eSoft to Moderately Hard\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePropagation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eHead cuttings, stem cuttings, and side shoots\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Form\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #cccccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eTissue Culture Cup\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis Horizon plant is supplied as an \u003cstrong\u003ein-vitro tissue culture plant\u003c\/strong\u003e grown under controlled laboratory conditions. Tissue culture plants are supplied free from algae, snails, parasites, and unwanted aquatic pests, making them an excellent choice for carefully maintained planted aquariums and sensitive shrimp setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBefore planting, carefully remove the plant from the tissue culture cup and thoroughly rinse away all nutrient gel using clean aquarium water. The young plants are exceptionally delicate, so separate them gently into small portions while avoiding damage to their fine roots, stems, and growing tips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant each portion into a mature, clean aquarium substrate with a small amount of space between plants. Avoid placing this variety into newly installed aquasoil or a recently established aquarium, as unstable conditions and excessive organic waste may cause rapid melting. If the portions are extremely small, allow them to establish roots in a protected area before moving them to their final position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHygrophila\u003c\/em\u003e sp. 'Chai' requires unobstructed access to strong light. Keep faster-growing plants away from the immediate area, as this slow-growing variety can be easily shaded or crowded. Under insufficient lighting, the plant may grow more upright, lose density, and display weaker colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStable CO₂ injection, good gas exchange, and gentle water circulation are strongly recommended. Sudden reductions in CO₂ or nutrient availability may cause older leaves to deteriorate. A consistent supply of macronutrients and trace elements supports healthy growth, but avoid large or irregular changes in fertilisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe older leaves grow slowly and are susceptible to algae. Maintain excellent aquarium cleanliness, remove accumulated debris, and ensure that water can circulate gently around the plant. Avoid excessive lighting periods or unstable nutrient conditions that could encourage algae development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTrim established stems above a healthy leaf node to encourage additional side shoots. Healthy upper cuttings can be replanted into open spaces once they are large enough to handle safely. Do not trim newly planted tissue culture portions until they have formed roots and begun producing stable submerged growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnder stress, the plant may produce brownish or greener leaves resembling the original non-variegated form. Remove strongly reverted shoots where practical and correct any instability in lighting, CO₂, nutrients, or water conditions to encourage continued pink growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome tissue culture portions may experience temporary melting or leaf loss while adapting to submerged conditions. This variety has a more difficult tissue culture transition than many other aquarium plants. Maintain stable conditions and leave healthy roots and growing points in place while new aquarium-adapted foliage develops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a delicate speciality plant recommended for mature, stable, CO₂-enriched aquariums. Its final colour, variegation, height, and density depend strongly on lighting, CO₂ availability, nutrients, water flow, aquarium cleanliness, and overall stability. As this is a living plant, its size, number of shoots, colour, and appearance may vary slightly from the photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Horizon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41767631716485,"sku":"TC076","price":112.5,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0385\/6331\/5845\/files\/TC076-Hygrophiliasp.Chai.jpg?v=1784674586","url":"https:\/\/www.artofaqua.com\/products\/horizon-hygrophila-sp-chai","provider":"Art of Aqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}