Ludwigia inclinata "Red"
Ludwigia inclinata
Ludwigia inclinata 'Red' is one of the most spectacular and fast-growing red plants in the aquascaping hobby, featuring bright orange-red lanceolate leaves.
Wassertemperatur
18 - 30 °C
pH-Wert
4.5 - 7
Wassertyp
Süßwasser
Licht
Hoch
CO2
Hoch
Erwartete Höhe
40 cm
Erwartete Breite
15 cm
KH
0 - 8 dKH
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Ludwigia inclinata 'Red' is the red nominate form of Ludwigia inclinata, native to swamps, slow-flowing rivers, and temporary water bodies of Central and South America. This species colonizes the floodplains of the Brazilian Amazon, growing partially submerged under intense solar radiation. It thrives in warm, extremely soft, iron-rich waters loaded with dissolved organic substances derived from decaying forest vegetation.
Taxonomy & Genetics: It belongs to the Onagraceae family. Genetically, it is the nominate form that exhibits a pronounced ability to synthesize red pigments (anthocyanins) under strong light conditions. The synthesis of these pigments protects chloroplasts from ultraviolet radiation damage. It is a highly variable plant morphologically that responds strongly to water chemistry and available nutrients.
Physical Structure: It features thick, fleshy, and sturdy stems that grow vertically at a high rate, reaching a height of 30-50 cm. Submerged leaves are sessile, opposite or alternate, ovate-lanceolate in shape, and soft in texture, with a length of about 2-3 cm. Beneath the substrate surface, it develops a vigorous root system that acts as an anchor in soft alluvial soils.
Color & Texture: Under optimal conditions, the submerged leaves exhibit an extremely vivid bright orange, bronze, or ruby-red coloration that can light up the entire aquarium. The leaf underside maintains stable purple hues. The leaf texture is smooth, thin, soft to the touch, and extremely flexible. Under intense light, the entire bush assumes a fiery, glossy appearance, creating an extraordinary contrast with green plants.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Lighting & CO2: Requires very intense lighting to stimulate red coloration and keep internodes compact. CO2 injection (20-30 mg/L) is indispensable to support its fast metabolism; in the absence of carbon dioxide, vegetative tips tend to blacken and decay rapidly.
Nutrition & Substrate: Demands a fertile, active substrate (aquasoil) with a high iron content.
Water Chemistry: Very demanding regarding parameters: 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 temperatures around 24-26°C. It does not tolerate hard water.
Space Management & Placement: Its natural placement is in the background or midground of spacious aquariums, where it can be planted in small groups. Individual stems should be planted at least 2-3 cm apart to allow light to penetrate to the basal leaves.
Pruning: Pruned by regularly trimming the stems with sharp scissors. Cut tips root in a few days and can be replanted directly. The remaining stem branches vigorously, emitting new shoots. It must be pruned regularly to prevent it from shading out other plants.
Risks & Diseases: The main risk is the necrosis of growth tips due to iron, boron, or CO2 deficiency. Being a fast-growing species that is highly demanding of light, it is susceptible to green or hair algae infestations if column nutrients are not perfectly balanced.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
Ludwigia inclinata 'Red' is the red nominate form of Ludwigia inclinata, native to swamps, slow-flowing rivers, and temporary water bodies of Central and South America. This species colonizes the floodplains of the Brazilian Amazon, growing partially submerged under intense solar radiation. It thrives in warm, extremely soft, iron-rich waters loaded with dissolved organic substances derived from decaying forest vegetation.
Ursprung
Mittelamerika und KaribikAmazonas, Orinoco und Guayana
Pflanzenprofil
- Platzierung
- Mittelgrund
- Optimal placement for Ludwigia inclinata "Red" is as a background. Careful positioning allows it to receive adequate light and flow. This strategic placement ensures it does not overshadow smaller plants while exhibiting its best form.
- Botanische Form
- Stängel
- Botanically, Ludwigia inclinata "Red" is characterized as a stem plant. Its unique physiological traits make it a fascinating addition to the ecosystem. The leaf structure and overall form adapt closely to its submerged environment.
- Wachstum
- VERY_FAST
- The growth rate of Ludwigia inclinata "Red" is generally considered fast. This steady development necessitates a well-planned maintenance schedule. Adjusting environmental factors can slightly speed up or slow down this rate.
- Substrat
- Hoch
- Ludwigia inclinata 'Red' has a high substrate demand and relies heavily on a nutrient-packed aquasoil to fuel its intense growth and striking red coloration. The plant establishes a deep, aggressive root system, necessitating a minimum substrate depth of 6 centimeters to firmly hold the thick stems and prevent them from uprooting. The roots actively pull iron, phosphorus, and trace minerals from the soil, which are critical for maintaining healthy apical shoots. Depleted or inert gravel substrates will quickly lead to pale, fragile growth, making root tabs or a fresh active soil mandatory.
- Säulendüngung
- Empfohlen
- For column fertilization, Ludwigia inclinata "Red" prefers a rich dosing regimen. Liquid fertilizers are efficiently absorbed through its submerged surfaces. Consistent daily or weekly dosing ensures steady nutrient availability.
- Wurzeldüngung
- Keine
- Regarding root fertilization, it is absolutely true that Ludwigia inclinata "Red" requires a nutrient-rich substrate. A quality aquasoil or root tabs can significantly boost its long-term health. The root system plays an active role in stabilizing the plant and absorbing minerals.
- Trimmen
- Gelegentlich
- Maintenance for Ludwigia inclinata "Red" primarily involves regular pruning. Using sharp aquascaping scissors ensures clean cuts that heal quickly. Regular pruning encourages a more compact and aesthetically pleasing form.
- Ausbreitung
- Stecklinge
- Propagation of Ludwigia inclinata "Red" is typically achieved through cuttings. This method is straightforward and yields a high success rate. Newly propagated sections should be planted with sufficient space to establish themselves.
- Empfindlichkeit
- Mäßig
- Ludwigia inclinata "Red" is particularly sensitive to low light reducing coloration. Sudden changes in water chemistry can trigger negative reactions or melting. Maintaining a stable environment is the best preventative measure against these issues.
- Layoutrolle
- Mittelgrund
- In an aquascape, Ludwigia inclinata "Red" serves excellently as a intense red focal point. Its visual characteristics draw the eye and create depth within the layout. It pairs well with contrasting textures to enhance the overall composition.
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