Hygrophila ringens 'Chai'

Hygrophila ringens Pink Lady is a rare and visually striking cultivar of Hygrophila ringens producing pink-tinted foliage under high light — an unusual warm color for the Hygrophila genus that makes this cultivar particularly valuable as a midground color accent. The pink tones intensify progressively with increasing light intensity, rewarding aquarists with stronger lighting systems with an increasingly vivid color display.

Care tip: Hygrophila ringens 'Chai' grows best in moderate to high lighting with CO₂ recommended. Maintain temperatures of 72–82°F and pH 6.0–7.5. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and best coloration.

Growing to 10 to 14 inches, Chai is a compact midground plant that benefits from regular trimming to maintain bushy, well-colored growth. The pink tinting is most vivid in actively growing new growth near the stem tops under high light conditions. Regular trimming ensures fresh, vividly colored new leaves are always prominent in the composition.

This moderate plant grows best under medium to high lighting with CO₂ recommended for compact growth and the best color expression. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 provide comfortable conditions. Regular fertilization with iron-containing formulas supports the pink pigmentation.

In the aquascape, Hygrophila ringens 'Chai' provides unusual warm-pink midground color from a genus not typically associated with pink tones. The pink-tinted foliage pairs beautifully with deep green plants and creates a distinctive color accent in the midground that bridges the gap between plain green Hygrophila and the more demanding pink-red stem plants. It is a strong, vigorous grower as the chart notes.

Hygrophila ringens 'Chai' is a rare and rewarding cultivar for aquarists who want warm color in the midground from a plant with the reliable growth habit of the Hygrophila genus. Its unusual pink tones and strong growth make it a genuinely special midground species.

Care & Specifications