Lagenandra Meeboldii 'Red'
Plant Profile
Lagenandra Meeboldii 'Red' brings the classic Crypt look with a color palette that doesn't play by Crypt rules. It develops broad, oval-shaped leaves that showcase a blend of dusty green, olive, rich red-violet, and bright purple-pink, often all on the same leaf. Fresh new foliage unfolds in a soft pastel pink before maturing into deep reddish-brown tones. Native to the shady streams and damp riverbanks of Southwestern India, this eye-catching member of the Araceae family shares close ties with both Bucephalandra and Cryptocoryne. Reaching 5 or more inches in height with a wide-spreading habit, Lagenandra Meeboldii 'Red' makes an unforgettable, low-maintenance centerpiece for midground zones in both high- and low-tech aquariums.
Key Features & Benefits
- Vibrant multi-tonal foliage shifts from soft pastel pink on new leaves to rich red-violet, purple, and olive-green on mature growth.
- Hardy, easy-care rhizome plant that looks like a lush hybrid of Homalomena and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
- Thrives both submerged in aquariums and emersed in humid terrariums or paludariums.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Prep the plant by removing it from the pot and clearing all rockwool from the roots.
- Plant the roots firmly into your aquarium soil, taking care to keep the main central rhizome resting slightly above the substrate surface to prevent rot.
- As a heavy root-feeding species, Lagenandra Meeboldii 'Red' responds to root nutrition; placing root tabs directly near the roots in your aquarium soil encourages fuller foliage and faster growth.
- Provide low to medium lighting; while it easily adapts to lower light, moderate lighting and regular liquid iron supplementation will help bring out those vivid violet and pink undertones. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants.
- Keep water parameters stable and avoid sudden changes in water chemistry to prevent temporary leaf melting during transition.
- To propagate, use a sharp blade to carefully slice the thick rhizome into smaller sections (ensuring each piece has several leaves and healthy roots attached) and replant them back into your aquarium soil. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red' |
| Common Name(s) | Lagenandra Meeboldii Red, Lagenandra Red |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Rhizome Rosette Plant |
| Care Difficulty | Easy |
| Light Requirement | Low to Medium |
| CO2 Requirement | Optional / Not Necessary (Promotes faster growth and richer color) |
| Placement / Usage | Midground & Transition Zones |
| Height / Size | 5–8”+ |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0–7.5 |
| Propagation Method | Rhizome Division |
| Origin | India |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I plant Lagenandra Meeboldii 'Red' without rotting the rhizome?
When planting Lagenandra Meeboldii 'Red', bury the long fibrous roots into your aquarium soil, but make sure the thick horizontal stem (the rhizome) remains exposed above the substrate. Burying the rhizome completely under soil can trap anaerobic bacteria and lead to rot.
2. How is Lagenandra Meeboldii 'Red' different from Cryptocoryne?
While Lagenandra looks very similar to a large Cryptocoryne, Lagenandra species grow from a thick crawling rhizome rather than sending out underground runners. They also tend to produce wider, glossier leaves with bolder pink and red-violet highlights.
3. What should I do if my Lagenandra experiences leaf melt after planting?
Like many members of the Araceae family, Lagenandra can shed a few leaves when adjusting to new water parameters. As long as the rhizome remains firm in your aquarium soil, leave it in place! It will quickly adapt and sprout fresh new leaves.