Ludwigia Cuba care guide
Ludwigia Cuba (Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba') — high light, 22-28 °C, pH 5-6.5, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Ludwigia Cuba (Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba') is an aquatic plant of the family Onagraceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an advanced-level species. It is typically grown under high light with pressurised CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. One of the most intensely colored aquarium plants with leaves that blaze in shades of fiery red, orange, and gold under strong lighting. Extremely demanding, requiring soft acidic water, high CO2, and intense light to maintain its spectacular coloration.
Taxonomy
- Family: Onagraceae
- Genus: Ludwigia
- Scientific name: Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba'
- Common synonyms: Ludwigia Inclinata var. Verticillata Cuba
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 Cuba, Central America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5-6.5
- GH: 0-4 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 40 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: background
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 background under high 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.