Ludwigia Super Red care guide
Ludwigia Super Red (Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red') — high light, 20-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Ludwigia Super Red (Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red') is an aquatic plant of the family Onagraceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under high light with pressurised CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A selectively cultivated variety of Ludwigia palustris that maintains an intense deep-red coloration throughout the entire plant. Requires high light and benefits from CO2 injection to develop its signature vivid crimson leaves.
Taxonomy
- Family: Onagraceae
- Genus: Ludwigia
- Scientific name: Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red'
- Common synonyms: Ludwigia Mini Super Red
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 cultivated.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-10 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 30 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: midground
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 midground under high light with pressurised CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
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.