Propagating Ludwigia senegalensis 'Guinea': A Cuttings Guide

Step-by-step guide to propagating Ludwigia senegalensis 'Guinea' from stem cuttings, with the high light, CO2 and rich substrate this striped African beauty needs to thrive.

Overview

Ludwigia senegalensis, often sold as the 'Guinea' form, is a loosely branching West African stem plant prized for the bold copper-red striping that runs across its broad lime-green leaves. It is a demanding species, but it propagates by the same simple cuttings method used for every Ludwigia.

The plant shows a wide range of growth forms depending on conditions: smaller leaves and thinner stems in poor tanks, larger and fuller leaves in rich ones. In low light the leaves stay greener with uneven redness, while in high light the red covers almost the whole leaf except a central line.

Propagation Method (Cuttings)

Senegalensis is propagated by topping cuttings, exactly like other stem plants. Removing the apical bud encourages lateral buds to develop along the stem at the internodes, so each cut stem branches and becomes bushier while the trimmed top becomes a brand new plant.

Step-by-Step

1. Choose a healthy stem and cut the top 5-10 cm with clean, sharp scissors, slicing just below a node.
2. Strip the lower leaves from the bottom 2-3 cm of the cutting so they will not rot in the substrate.
3. Push the bare stem 2-3 cm into the aquasoil, leaving the leafed portion above the surface.
4. Leave the rooted base in place: it will send out lateral side shoots at the internodes and grow bushier.
5. Give the cutting bright light and stable CO2 so new roots and the signature striping develop quickly.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Although senegalensis is not extremely demanding for CO2, it prefers at least some injected CO2 kept stable, and it responds very well to substrate feeding. Ammonia in the root zone is an easy way to grow the fat, fully coloured leaves this plant is famous for. High light with a stronger red spectrum brings out maximum colour.

Trimming & Maintenance

Trim and replant on a regular cadence (roughly every ten days for a vigorous group) by topping the tallest stems. Replant the cut tops and let the bases rebush; staggering cut heights keeps the group full from front to back. The emersed grown form differs from the submersed form, so allow new submersed growth time to adapt after planting.