Description
Ludwigia palustris ‘Super Red’
Submerged – Price per Stem
Emersed – Price per pot with 4-5 stems
Overview
Ludwigia palustris ‘Super Red’ is a vibrant, red-leaved aquatic plant prized in the aquarium trade for its striking colouration and versatility. Native to North America, this cultivar of Ludwigia palustris is known for its intense red to crimson foliage under optimal conditions, making it a focal point in aquascaping. It grows in a variety of conditions, from emersed (above water) to fully submerged, and is popular in both beginner and advanced aquariums due to its adaptability and aesthetic appeal.
- Scientific Name: Ludwigia palustris ‘Super Red’
- Common Names: Super Red Ludwigia, Red Marsh Purslane
- Family: Onagraceae
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Height: 10-50 cm (4-20 inches) in aquariums, depending on conditions
- Placement: Midground to background, ideal for adding vertical color
- Difficulty: Moderate
Care Requirements
Lighting: High-intensity lighting (1-2 watts per gallon or 50-100 µmol PAR) is essential for vibrant red coloration. Medium lighting may result in greener leaves.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
pH: 5.5-7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2-12 dGH)
Substrate:
Nutrient-rich substrate (e.g., aquasoil) or gravel with root tabs promotes robust growth. It can also grow in inert substrates with liquid fertilizers.
Nutrients: Requires ample macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (iron, magnesium). Iron supplementation is critical for maintaining red hues.
CO2: CO2 injection (20-30 ppm) significantly enhances growth and color intensity, though it can survive without it under high light and nutrient supplementation.
Tank Requirements: Moderate flow to prevent debris buildup on leaves. Suitable for tanks as small as 10 gallons, but thrives in 20+ gallons where it can grow taller.
Planting and Propagation
Planting:
- Stem Planting: Insert individual stems 3-5cm deep into the substrate, spacing them 2.5-5cm apart to allow light penetration. Group 5-10 stems for a bushy effect.
- Root Development: Ensure the lower nodes are buried to encourage root growth. If using gravel, add root tabs near the base.
- Floating Option: Can be left floating temporarily, but it grows best when rooted.
Propagation:
- Cuttings: Trim healthy stems above a node (10-15cm long) and replant the cuttings. The parent plant will regrow from the cut node.
- Side Shoots: The plant naturally produces side shoots, which can be separated and replanted.
- Emersed Growth: If grown emersed, it can be propagated by dividing rooted sections or taking cuttings.
Maintenance
- Trimming: Regular pruning is necessary to maintain shape and prevent overgrowth. Trim the top 10-15cm of stems every 2-4 weeks, depending on growth rate, and replant or discard cuttings.
- Cleaning: Gently rinse leaves during water changes to remove algae or debris, as dense foliage can trap particles.
- Water Changes: Perform 20-30% weekly water changes to maintain nutrient balance and water quality.
- Fertilization: Dose liquid fertilizers (e.g., Seachem Flourish or APT Complete) weekly or per manufacturer instructions. Add root tabs every 1-2 months if using inert substrates.
- Monitoring: Check for signs of nutrient deficiency (yellowing leaves, stunted growth) and adjust fertilization or CO2 accordingly.
Challenges and Tips
Challenges:
- Color Fading: Insufficient light or iron can cause leaves to turn green. Increase light intensity or add iron supplements.
- Algae Growth: Dense growth can attract algae if water flow is low or nutrients are imbalanced. Ensure proper circulation and avoid over-fertilization.
- Melting: New plants may shed lower leaves during acclimation. Maintain stable water parameters to minimize stress.
- Leggy Growth: Low light causes elongated, sparse stems. Increase light and trim regularly to encourage bushiness.
Tips:
- Pair with high-output LED lights for best coloration.
- Use a liquid carbon supplement (e.g., Seachem Excel) if CO2 injection isn’t feasible.
- Plant in groups for a dramatic effect, but avoid overcrowding to prevent shading.
- Transition emersed-grown plants slowly by keeping them in high-humidity conditions before submerging.
Recommendation
- Aquascaping: Use as a midground or background plant to create contrast with green plants like Anubias or Java Fern. It pairs well with carpeting plants like Dwarf Hairgrass for a balanced layout.
- Tank Mates: Compatible with most community fish (e.g., tetras, rasboras) and invertebrates (e.g., shrimp, snails). Avoid herbivorous fish like Silver Dollars, which may eat the leaves.
- Beginner-Friendly Alternative: If care requirements seem demanding, consider Ludwigia repens, which is less light-dependent but still offers reddish tones.
- Where to Buy: Available from reputable aquarium plant suppliers like Buce Plant, Aquarium Co-Op, or online retailers like Amazon and eBay. Check for healthy, pest-free specimens.
- Complementary Tools: Invest in a quality light meter or PAR meter to optimize lighting, and consider a CO2 drop checker for precise CO2 monitoring.
