Ludwigia Inclinata sp Crystal
The name “Ludwigia Inclinata” covers a wide range of plants, all with wide, submerged leaves. These vary in color by the specific variety of plant, with shades ranging from dark orange, to deep red, to crystal. Photos show the plant’s submerged form vs. emersed form. The plant is typically found emersed or submerged in bogs or rivers of Central and South America.
In the aquarium, it is best in the mid-ground, and requires high light intensity, high nutrients, and high CO2 in order to grow properly. It grows extremely quickly, reaching heights of 12” – 16” in just one week! Its unusually colored leaves allow it to give a good contrast with green plants. While an overall sensitive plant in terms of its light, nutrient, and CO2 needs, the Ludwigia is easy to propagate through simple cutting and replanting of its lateral or top shoots. All-in-all, it is a sophisticated aquarium plant, and if one has the tank size and attentiveness for it, it can add excellent color and diversity.
Notes:
- Ludwigia can be very fragile. Be sure to handle this aquarium plant with care.
- Do not make drastic changes to the aquarium. Unstable parameters will result in melt and rotting of the aquarium plant.
- Remove the cotton surrounding the roots and plant into a quality substrate. For instructions on how to properly prep aquarium plants, click here.
- CO2 injection and quality aquarium soil will yield better growth.
- Please research appropriately to ensure your plant thrives.
Genus: Ludwiga
Family Name: Onagracea
Origin: Central America
Height: 4” – 20”
pH: 4.5 – 7.0
Care: Advanced
Light: High
Co2: Necessary
Propagation: Cutting off and re-planting lateral or top shoots.
Growth Rate: Fast