Propagating Ludwigia inclinata 'Cuba' from Cuttings

Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba' is a prized verticillate cultivar of the South and Central American species Ludwigia inclinata, valued for foliage that runs green at the base to orange-yellow and deep red on the crown. It is a demanding plant, so propagation success depends as much on water conditions as on technique. This guide covers taking stem cuttings, stripping and replanting the colored crowns and letting the base re-shoot, and the medium-to-high light, CO2 and consistent micronutrient dosing with iron that the parent species needs to develop and hold its color in submerged growth.

Overview

'Cuba' is one of the highly valued verticillate cultivars of Ludwigia inclinata (Onagraceae), an aquatic plant native to Central and South America that grows in both emergent and submerged conditions. The foliage is elongated and narrow, transitioning from green at the base to orange/yellow with deep red on the crown, with leaves arranged in whorls on the stem.

Propagation Method (Cuttings)

Propagation is achieved through stem cuttings, like the parent species. The colored crown of a stem is removed and replanted, while the remaining base regrows from lower whorls. As a demanding variety, cuttings establish best when light, CO2 and nutrients are already dialed in.

Step-by-Step

Choose a vigorous, well-colored stem and cut the top 5-10 cm just above a leaf whorl.
Strip the leaves from the lower portion of the cutting that will sit in the substrate.
Replant the colored top into nutrient-rich substrate, deep enough to stay anchored.
Leave the base in the tank; it will re-shoot from the remaining lower whorls.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

The species thrives under medium-to-high lighting with consistent micronutrient supplementation, and CO2 injection is strongly advised for optimal growth. Iron dosing intensifies red pigmentation. It adapts to both submerged and emersed cultivation, but the spectacular submerged color depends on these conditions being held steady.

Trimming & Maintenance

Regular topping both multiplies stems and keeps a stand bushy, with each replanted crown becoming a new colored shoot. Trim before lower whorls become shaded so color and leaf density stay even from base to crown.