Ludwigia inclinata "Green"

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Ludwigia inclinata 'Green' is a geographic variety or cultivar of the species Ludwigia inclinata, native to the warm wetland regions of Central and South America, particularly the Amazon River basin in Brazil. It inhabits slow-flowing rivers, forest swamps, floodplains, and temporary lagoons. It grows in warm, very soft, acidic waters rich in soluble iron, often under full sun exposure that drives an extremely rapid metabolic rate.

Taxonomy & Genetics: It belongs to the Onagraceae family. Ludwigia inclinata is a highly polymorphic species with several variants (including the well-known var. verticillata). The 'Green' variant is distinguished by a stable genetic mutation or selection that inhibits the production of red pigments (anthocyanins), causing the plant to maintain a bright green

Color & Texture: ation even under very intense light, while preserving the leaf shape and cultivation requirements of the type species.

Physical Structure: It features erect, fleshy, and sturdy stems up to 5-6 mm thick, with an exceptionally rapid growth rate that allows it to reach the water surface in just a few days. Submerged leaves are alternate or whorled, ovate-lanceolate or elliptical in shape, and about 2-3 cm long. Beneath the substrate surface, it develops thick, vigorous roots to anchor the plant in soft soils.

Color & Texture: Unlike the nominate form which turns red, the 'Green' cultivar maintains a fresh emerald-green or bright apple-green color. The leaf underside is slightly lighter in shade. The leaf texture is thin, soft, and almost hydrophilic, with leaves swaying elegantly in the water current. It creates a lush, dense green foliage block of strong visual impact.

Lighting & CO2: Requires intense to very intense lighting (at least 45-50 lumens/liter) to prevent disproportionate stretching of internodes. CO2 injection (20-30 mg/L) is an absolute requirement; without stable supplementation, the plant experiences growth stasis, leaf drop, and shoot decay.

Nutrition & Substrate: Demands a fertile, active substrate (aquasoil) rich in iron and nutrients.

Water Chemistry: Very demanding: requires soft (KH 0-8 dKH, ideally below 4 dKH) and acidic water (pH 4.5-7.0, ideally below 6.5). The optimal temperature is between 18°C and 30°C, preferring stable values around 24-26°C. It does not tolerate hard water.

Space Management & Placement: Due to its very fast growth, it must be placed in the background or midground of large aquariums. Individual stems should be planted well apart (at least 2-3 cm) to prevent them from shading each other.

Pruning: Requires frequent pruning due to its rapid growth rate. This is done by cutting the apical part and replanting it in the substrate, while the remaining base will quickly produce numerous lateral shoots. If left unchecked, it can shade out the entire tank.

Risks & Diseases: The main risk is the decay of growth tips due to trace element deficiencies (particularly boron and iron) or insufficient CO2. It is highly susceptible to green algae or hair algae infestations if column nutrients are unbalanced relative to the intense lighting.