Propagating Ludwigia inclinata 'Pantanal'

How to propagate the demanding Pantanal Ludwigia from stem cuttings: topping technique, replanting, and the intense light, CO2 and iron-rich dosing it needs to keep its neon pink-red color.

Overview

Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Pantanal' is a verticillate cultivar of Ludwigia inclinata, a highly variable herb from Central and South America. It is one of the most highly prized aquarium plants in the trade, valued for its fine whorled leaves that develop neon pink and red tones on the crown. Like all stem Ludwigias it is grown as a clone and is propagated only from cuttings, so every new plant carries the same demanding requirements as the parent.

Propagation Method (Cuttings)

Pantanal reproduces the same way as its parent species: by taking cuttings from the main stem and replanting them into the substrate. The stem grows long and does not branch much, so topping the plant both shortens it and yields a fresh cutting. Buried internodes naturally send out roots, which makes propagation through trimming and replanting straightforward once growth conditions are stable.

Step-by-Step

Cut the top 5-10 cm of a healthy, well-colored stem just above a leaf node using clean scissors.
Strip the leaves from the lower 2-3 cm of the cutting so a clean section can be buried.
Plant the cutting deep enough that at least one bare internode sits in the substrate, where it will root.
Space individual stems close together to form a denser group, since the plant does not branch much on its own.
Leave the original base in place: it will push out side shoots from the remaining nodes.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Pantanal needs high light, measured around 100+ umols of PAR at the substrate for good color, with further improvement seen at 200-300 umols. CO2 should be high, in the region of 30 ppm and up. Color and form depend on consistent micronutrient supplementation and elevated iron, paired with lean water-column nitrate around 5 ppm plus access to ammoniacal nitrogen in the substrate.

Trimming & Maintenance

Pantanal grows several inches per week, so frequent topping is part of routine care. Prune by cutting off the top, then either discard or replant the cutting. Because the plant transitions from green at the base to red on the crown, keep the group thinned so light reaches lower leaves and the stand stays compact rather than leggy.

Common Challenges

Stunted or melting tips usually signal insufficient CO2 or unstable nutrients in this boom-or-bust species.
Pale or green crowns rather than pink-red point to too little light or iron.
Lower stems going bare indicate shading; thin the group and replant healthy tops.
It tolerates an emersed form, but submersed color and leaf shape only develop under high light and CO2.