Ludwigia Crystal care guide
Ludwigia Crystal (Ludwigia sp. 'Crystal') — medium light, 20-28 °C, pH 5.5-7, CO2 recommended.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Ludwigia Crystal (Ludwigia sp. 'Crystal') is an aquatic plant of the family Onagraceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under medium light with pressurised CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A tissue culture hybrid known for its delicate pinkish to translucent foliage. Under medium to high light, the leaves develop a soft rose-pink hue with lighter veins. More compact than most Ludwigia species, making it versatile for midground placement. Moderate nutrient demand keeps it accessible to intermediate-level aquarists.
Taxonomy
- Family: Onagraceae
- Genus: Ludwigia
- Scientific name: Ludwigia sp. 'Crystal'
- Common synonyms: Ludwigia sp. Crystal
Habitat
Ludwigia is a cosmopolitan genus of marsh plants (Onagraceae) that grow in shallow standing water, swamps and ditches across the Americas, Africa and Asia. Many species shift from green emersed growth to vivid red coloration once submersed under bright light. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Cultivated hybrid.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 20 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
A background or midground stem plant. Bright lighting, CO2 and abundant macro and micro nutrients are required to develop and hold the red pigments characteristic of many Ludwigia forms. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the midground under medium light with pressurised CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Propagated from cuttings: a healthy tip cutting of 8-10 cm is replanted in the substrate and roots within days. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
A switch from intense red to green usually signals a drop in light intensity, iron deficiency or shading by surrounding plants; correcting lighting and macro/micro dosing restores colour.
Propagating Ludwigia sp. 'Crystal' from Cuttings
Overview
Ludwigia sp. 'Crystal' is a collector form within the genus Ludwigia (family Onagraceae, order Myrtales), which comprises about 82 species of aquatic plants with a cosmopolitan but mainly tropical distribution. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus after Christian Gottlieb Ludwig.
Ludwigia species are aquatic or semi-aquatic plants of wetland and water habitats. Like the rest of the genus, the 'Crystal' form is grown as a stem plant and propagated by cuttings, with its pale, delicate foliage being the reason hobbyists seek it out.
Propagation Method (Cuttings)
Propagation follows the standard Ludwigia approach: cut a top section of stem and replant it so it roots and grows on its own. A named cultivar like 'Crystal' propagates identically to its parent genus - each cutting is a clone, preserving the pale leaf trait that defines the form.
Step-by-Step
- Cut the top 5-10 cm from a healthy stem with clean scissors.
- Strip the lower leaves to expose nodes that will form roots.
- Push the bare nodes into nutrient-rich substrate, spacing stems for a midground group.
- Leave the cut base in the substrate so it branches into side shoots.
- Maintain stable water, CO2 and nutrients while the cutting establishes.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
As a demanding collector cultivar, 'Crystal' wants stable, soft, slightly acidic freshwater, added CO2 and a nutrient-rich substrate to support its delicate growth. Strong, even light keeps internodes tight and the foliage looking its best; iron-focused dosing helps maintain the pale, vivid leaf colour that distinguishes the form.
Trimming & Maintenance
Trim roughly every week and a half to keep the group neat. Each topping yields a fresh cutting while the base bushes out from new side shoots. Replant the healthiest tops and discard tired lower stems so the planting stays dense and well coloured.
Common Challenges
The pale 'Crystal' foliage carries little chlorophyll reserve, so it is sensitive to swings in CO2, light and nutrients - deficiencies show quickly as melting or stunting. Keep parameters steady, especially when settling new cuttings, and avoid sudden changes that this demanding form tolerates poorly.