Mosaic Plant care guide
Mosaic Plant (Ludwigia sedioides) — high light, 24-30 °C, pH 5.5-7, no CO2.
Overview
Mosaic Plant (Ludwigia sedioides) is an aquatic plant of the family Onagraceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an advanced-level species. It is typically grown under high light and without obligatory CO2 injection on hardscape (epiphytic attachment to wood or rock; no substrate required). A truly spectacular floating plant with diamond-shaped leaves arranged in a perfect geometric mosaic pattern. The leaves display stunning red and green coloration. Demands very high light and warm conditions, making it a challenging but incredibly rewarding plant for experienced aquarists.
Taxonomy
- Family: Onagraceae
- Genus: Ludwigia
- Scientific name: Ludwigia sedioides
- Common synonyms: Mosaic Flower, Ludwigia sedioides
Habitat
Ludwigia is a cosmopolitan genus of marsh plants (Onagraceae) that grow in shallow standing water, swamps and ditches across the Americas, Africa and Asia. Many species shift from green emersed growth to vivid red coloration once submersed under bright light. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from South America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 24-30 °C (75-86 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Substrate: not applicable (epiphytic attachment to hardscape)
- Maximum height: 5 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: floating
Placement
A background or midground stem plant. Bright lighting, CO2 and abundant macro and micro nutrients are required to develop and hold the red pigments characteristic of many Ludwigia forms. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the floating layer under high light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using no substrate (epiphytic attachment to hardscape).
Propagation
Propagated from cuttings: a healthy tip cutting of 8-10 cm is replanted in the substrate and roots within days. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
A switch from intense red to green usually signals a drop in light intensity, iron deficiency or shading by surrounding plants; correcting lighting and macro/micro dosing restores colour.