Ludwigia 'Pantanal' Care Guide
Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Pantanal' is a demanding stem plant with whorled leaves that turn fiery orange-red under high light, soft water and CO2.
Overview
Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Pantanal' is a stem plant in the family Onagraceae, an orange-red variety of Ludwigia inclinata. It has fine, narrow leaves that form elegant whorls along the stem and shift from orange to deep red under high light. It is a fast-growing heavy feeder that tends to either boom or bust depending on conditions.
Taxonomy
- Family: Onagraceae
- Genus: Ludwigia
- Scientific name: Ludwigia inclinata 'Pantanal'
- Full form: Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Pantanal'
Habitat
The variety is associated with South America (the name refers to the Pantanal wetlands). It is cultivated as an aquarium plant and is sensitive to changes in its environment.
Growth requirements
- Water type: freshwater
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- Carbonate hardness: soft water, around 3 dKH and below
- Lighting: very high (at least about 0.75 W per litre)
- CO2: required; high content around 25-30 mg/L
The plant likes excess: high light, high CO2 and high nutrient availability, with NO3 maintained around 5-15 mg/L and PO4 around 1-2 mg/L. It is finicky and quickly shows signs of distress (stunting, deterioration) when conditions are not optimal or are changed.
Placement
A background plant reaching up to about 50 cm per the KB record, spectacular when grown well in a high-tech setup.
Propagation
Propagation is by cuttings of the colourful tops, replanted while the base regrows; given its sensitivity, stable conditions are key to successful regrowth.