Plant Profile
Ludwigia Inclinata 'Cuba', widely known as Cuban Ludwigia, is a large, showstopping aquatic stem plant native to the swampy wetlands of the Isle of Youth off the coast of Cuba. Prized for its dramatic size and extraordinary leaf morphology, its submerged form produces long, narrow foliage in dense, needle-like whorls that display a marbled swirl of fiery orange, yellow, and deep ruby-red. Reaching an impressive height of 15 to 20 inches, Cuban Ludwigia requires high-tech conditions, including strong lighting, soft acidic water, high iron dosing, and pressurized CO2, to showcase its vivid coloration. Positioned in the midground or background of larger aquariums, its wide, voluminous crown creates an unforgettable centerpiece accent.
Tissue Culture cups ensure your aquascape gets a super clean starting point. Lab‑grown and fully sterile, it arrives without pests, snails, duckweed, or any unwanted algae. It’s the go‑to option for anyone who wants peace of mind when adding fresh greenery to a carefully maintained setup.
Key Features & Benefits
- Large, voluminous whorled foliage displays a breathtaking marbled mix of yellow, fiery orange, and ruby-red tones.
- Fast-growing background species that forms a massive, dramatic crown accent in medium-to-large aquariums.
Care & Planting Instructions
-
Thoroughly wash away the nutrient gel from the roots with your fingers before parting it out into manageable portions.
- Use fine-tip pinsettes to plant individual stems 2 inches apart into nutrient-rich aquarium soil, giving each stem ample room for its wide crown.
- Provide high-intensity lighting and pressurized CO2 injection; consistent fertilization rich in iron and micronutrients is essential to prevent shoot blanching or white leaves. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants.
- Maintain soft, acidic water conditions and avoid sudden parameter swings to prevent stem melting or rotting.
- To propagate, trim healthy stem tops with sharp straight shears and replant them directly into the substrate. 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 |
Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba' |
| Common Name(s) |
Cuban Ludwigia, Ludwigia Cuba, Ludwigia Inclinata Cuba |
| Family |
Onagraceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy |
Tissue Culture Large Stem Plant |
| Care Difficulty |
Moderate to Advanced |
| Light Requirement |
High |
| CO2 Requirement |
Required (Essential for vibrant red-orange color and leaf density) |
| Placement / Usage |
Midground / Background Focal Point (Large Aquariums) |
| Height / Size |
15–20”+ (Cup portion size: 2–3”) |
| Growth Rate |
Fast |
| Water Parameters |
pH 4.5–7.0 (Soft, acidic water preferred) |
| Propagation Method |
Cuttings (Cut top shoots and replant directly into soil) |
| Origin |
Cuba (Isle of Youth) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the new leaves on my Ludwigia Cuba turning white or pale?
Whitish or pale shoot tips are a classic sign of iron deficiency in Ludwigia Inclinata 'Cuba'. Supplementing the aquarium with a high-quality liquid iron fertilizer and maintaining nutrient-rich substrate will restore vibrant orange-red foliage.
2. How do I manage the massive size and diagonal growth of Ludwigia Cuba?
Ludwigia Cuba produces large crowns that grow rapidly toward the light, sometimes expanding diagonally. Space individual stems at least 2 inches apart during initial planting, and top the main stems before they shade surrounding plants.
3. How do I prepare Ludwigia Inclinata Cuba Tissue Culture before planting?
Carefully remove the gel from the roots by washing the plant in a bowl of room-temperature water or gently rinsing it under a tap. Once the gel is removed, separate the cluster into smaller clumps or individual stems and plant them into substrate using fine pinsettes.
