Plant Profile: Ludwigia Natans Super Red
Family Name: Onagraceae
Origin: Cosmopolitan
Ludwigia Natans Super Red, also known as Ludwigia Palustris, is a vibrant aquatic plant that will add striking dimension and contrast to the mid- or background of an aquarium. These plants are definitely attention-grabbing when planted in bunches of 10-12 stems.
It is a favorite among aquascapers because of its fiery red coloring, quick growth, and easy care. It’s a versatile plant that grows in areas across the world during all seasons of the year.
Plant Specs:
Ludwigia Super Red has small, round, and pointed leaves that grow in opposite pairs along the whole length of the stem. The leaves range from green to red in color depending on tank conditions (which we explain later).
The plant can be grown submersed or emersed. When emersed, it may take longer to grow to maximum size.
This plant grows super fast with stalks of 2-4 cm. wide and can quickly reach over 20 in. high if not groomed regularly.
Ludwigia Super Red will grow side shoots as well that, when propagated and replanted, will quickly grow roots into your substrate.
Plant Care:
Overall, Ludwigia Natans Super Red is an easy plant to care for.
Propagation is incredibly easy and quick. This plant will grow many small plants from only a few stems when kept in good conditions.
- Simply take cuttings from the main stem of the plant and replant stems into the substrate at least 1 in. apart from each other.
- A nutrient-filled substrate is required for the growth of this plant. Sand will suffocate the roots of this plant.
- Planting in UNS Controsoil is recommended to help create a strong root system and support optimal growth.
Ludwigia Super Red is versatile and grows easily, but to get the desirable bright red color, you must provide high lighting and nutrient levels. We definitely recommend UNS Plant Food to allow this plant to reach its full potential.
High nitrate and phosphate levels will help you achieve the brighter reds. In addition, high iron content will help bring out fiery colors. UNS has a great iron supplement listed here.
CO2 injection is not required but will help this plant grow more robustly.
Ludwigia can be sensitive, so like all of your plants, be sure your tank has the right water parameters.
Make sure to keep your water PH between 6.0-7.0. Do not make drastic changes to your aquarium with Ludwigia Natans Super Red. Unstable parameters will unfortunately result in melt and rotting.
Medium to high lighting for about 8 hours a day will give you the brightest red coloring this plant can achieve. When it comes to Ludwigia Natans Super Red, the more light, the more red. You will know lighting is insufficient if the leaves start to fall off of the stem.
When it comes to tank mates, keep in mind that because of the bright red color, fish will absolutely love this plant. Aggressive fish may try to eat this plant until it is destroyed. It is better to keep this alluring plant in tanks where certain finicky fish won’t have the opportunity to ruin it. Some colorful shrimp would be a great addition to a tank with Ludwigia Super Red.
Fun Facts:
Compared to Ludwigia Repens 'Rubin,' another popular plant that can turn deep red, Ludwigia Super Red is easier to care for and will change colors quicker.
Sometimes when you receive Ludwigia Super Red, it will be more green than the deep red you see in the pictures. Although...that’s kinda the best part about this plant.
The process of giving this plant the love and care it deserves, and watching the colors become more and more intensely red gives any aquascaper a sense of accomplishment and excitement.
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