Propagating Ludwigia Mullertii: A Cuttings Guide

Ludwigia mullertii is a popular red-orange stem hybrid of L. repens and L. arcuata. Learn how to multiply it from cuttings and keep its color vivid.

Overview

Ludwigia mullertii is a naturally occurring hybrid between Ludwigia repens and L. arcuata. L. repens is a mat-forming perennial herb with a creeping stem up to about 30 cm long that roots at the nodes when they touch wet substrate, while L. arcuata contributes its narrower foliage. The result is a moderate-growing stem plant whose upper leaves turn pinkish-red to deep red under strong light, creating an attractive ombre effect.

Propagation Method (Cuttings)

Like other Ludwigia, this hybrid is propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings. When a stem is trimmed, new growth starts on the remaining piece, and the cut tip readily develops several roots along its length, so each cutting becomes an independent plant. Because the natural stem roots at nodes that contact the substrate, replanted tops establish quickly.

Step-by-Step

1. Choose a healthy stem and cut the top 5-10 cm just below a leaf node using clean scissors.
2. Strip the leaves from the lowest 2-3 cm of the cutting to expose bare nodes.
3. Plant the bare nodes a couple of centimeters into nutrient-rich substrate.
4. Leave the trimmed mother stem in place; it will send out side shoots from the base.
5. Keep light and liquid fertilizer high so the new top reddens as it grows.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

To bring out the red and orange tones, give the plant plenty of light together with liquid fertilizer, including iron, potassium and an all-round nutrient supplement. CO2 is not strictly required for this beginner-friendly hybrid, but adding it almost always improves growth and vitality. The plant can also grow emersed above the waterline; submersed growth shows the strongest coloration.

Trimming & Maintenance

Top the plant roughly every two weeks. Each trim both controls height and supplies fresh cuttings, while the base thickens into a bushier group as it pushes new side shoots. Remove any lower stems that have lost leaves or gone brown to keep the stand dense and healthy.

Common Challenges

• Pale or green tops usually mean too little light or insufficient iron.
• Lower leaves browning and dropping is common with shading from the canopy above.
• Slow, leggy growth points to low nutrients; raise fertilizer or consider CO2.