Ludwigia 'Marilia' Care Guide
Ludwigia 'Marilia' is a Brazilian Ludwigia variant with rounded bronze-orange leaves, colouring strongly at the shoot tips under light and CO2.
Overview
Ludwigia 'Marilia' is a South American variant of Ludwigia (family Onagraceae) named after Marília in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. The exact species has not been determined, so it is traded as Ludwigia sp. 'Marilia'. It is grown for its rounded leaves that show light green, red and bright orange tones, with the strongest colour concentrated at the shoot tips.
Taxonomy
- Family: Onagraceae
- Genus: Ludwigia
- Scientific name: Ludwigia sp. 'Marilia'
- Common name: Marilia Ludwigia
Origin
The plant originates from the Marília area of São Paulo State, Brazil. Like other Ludwigia, it can be grown both submersed and emersed; emersed growth is more compact and the colours may differ from the submersed form.
Appearance
Submersed, the leaves are rounded and range from green through red to bright orange. Red and orange tones intensify and concentrate in the upper shoots under high light with CO2, making the shoot tips the most colourful part of the plant.
Tank requirements
- Water type: freshwater
- Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- GH: 2–10 °dGH
- Lighting: medium to high
- CO2: recommended for colour and compact growth
- Substrate: nutrient-rich
- Placement: midground to background
It is not considered a particularly finicky plant. Quality substrate, medium to high light, CO2 injection and regular fertilisation support fast, colourful growth. Regular trimming keeps it compact.
Propagation
Propagation is by cuttings: trimmed tops are replanted into the substrate, where they root and continue growing, while the cut stems branch to thicken the group.