Lagenandra Meeboldii Red care guide
Lagenandra Meeboldii Red (Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red') — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Lagenandra Meeboldii Red (Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red') is a broad-leaved plant of the family Araceae, grown as an aquarium plant. A striking Indian endemic with broad, textured leaves that turn rich red to brown when grown submersed. Slow-growing and compact, it makes an excellent midground focal point. Thrives in low to medium light and adapts well to various water conditions.
Taxonomy
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Lagenandra
- Scientific name: Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red'
- Common synonyms: Lagenandra meeboldii "Red"
Habitat
Lagenandra is a genus of marsh aroids from South Asia, especially Sri Lanka and southern India, growing along the margins of slow streams and seasonally flooded banks in soft to moderately hard water. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from India.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 15 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Nutrient demand: medium
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
In aquascapes this plant suits the midground. It is planted with the rhizome at or just above the substrate surface; the thick rhizome creeps slowly, so the plant suits the midground and grows best with steady nutrients.
Propagation
This species is multiplied by rhizome division; cut sections each bearing leaves and roots are replanted, and the genus can also produce side shoots.
Common issues
Like Cryptocoryne, abrupt parameter changes can cause leaves to melt while the rhizome survives; the cut latex-bearing sap can also irritate skin, so gloves are advisable when dividing.
Propagating Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red'
Overview
Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red' is an Araceae plant that grows from a rhizome, much like an Anubias, even though its broad leaves resemble those of a Cryptocoryne. It is commercially grown emersed and, when settled, can become a large specimen, growing to roughly 18 inches over time. Like crypts, it can melt after being moved and then regrow from the rhizome.
Because it is a rhizome plant rather than a stem, propagation is by rhizome division and offshoots, not by topping cuttings.
Propagation Method
The plant spreads as small pieces of rhizome occasionally break free and form new plants. You can cut or separate rhizome sections; even a piece with no leaves but a couple of small buds will sprout. Tissue-cultured stock typically yields several divisions, making it good value for propagation.
Step-by-Step
- Identify a section of rhizome carrying at least one or two growth buds.
- Cut or break it cleanly from the parent, the way you would divide an Anubias rhizome.
- Float a leafless rhizome piece with buds, or place a leafed division at the substrate surface.
- Anchor the roots in the substrate but keep the rhizome itself on top, never buried.
- Within a week or two the division starts throwing up new leaves; pot it on once established.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
This is an adaptable, intermediate plant. It does fine with or without CO2 and, when grown submersed, often does better when slightly shaded rather than under intense light. Treat it as a root feeder in nutrient-rich substrate, with the rhizome resting at the surface like an Anubias.
Maintenance
Maintenance is minimal for this slow grower. Remove old or melted leaves, keep the rhizome firmly anchored at the surface, and be patient if the plant melts after a move; it usually regrows from the rhizome. Note the latex sap typical of the genus when cutting.
Common Challenges
- Rhizome disintegration when the rhizome is buried in substrate.
- Crypt-like melting after transplanting, followed by slow regrowth.
- Suffering and stalling when plants are crowded together.
- Slow leaf production, so divisions take time to fill out.