Pink Meebold's Lagenandra (Lagenandra meeboldii "Pink")

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

It is best positioned as a striking focal point in the midground of the aquarium. Its intense color contrasts dramatically with surrounding green plants and dark hardscape materials. Due to its sprawling growth habit, ensure it has plenty of horizontal room to expand without shading smaller plants.

Botanical form

Rosette

The plant displays beautiful, broad, ovate leaves that range from dusty pink to deep purple depending on conditions. The leaf margins are often undulating, and the foliage emerges from a thick, creeping rhizome. The contrasting veins on the colored leaves add an intricate textural detail.

Growth

Slow

This cultivar grows at a slow to moderate pace, taking time to establish an extensive root system before producing significant new foliage. The slow growth rate makes it easy to maintain once established, requiring very infrequent trimming. Higher light and CO2 can slightly accelerate its growth.

Substrate

High

Lagenandra meeboldii "Pink" demands a fertile, nutrient-dense substrate like aqua soil to sustain its striking pinkish foliage and robust growth. Its root system is vigorous, reaching deep into the substrate to extract essential macro and micronutrients needed for optimal health. Care must be taken to ensure the thick rhizome rests comfortably on the substrate surface, with only the roots descending into a sufficiently deep soil bed to anchor the plant securely.

Column fertilization

Recommended

Regular column fertilization, particularly with iron and trace elements, is crucial for expressing its best colors. While it relies heavily on root feeding, liquid dosing ensures the developing leaves have immediate access to necessary micro-nutrients. Maintain a balanced NPK ratio to prevent algae on its slow-growing leaves.

Root fertilization

Required

A nutrient-rich substrate or the insertion of high-quality root tabs near the rhizome is highly beneficial. The plant develops a massive, deep root system that actively feeds from the soil. Rich soil significantly enhances the size, health, and color intensity of the foliage.

Trimming

Occasional

Maintenance is minimal, consisting mainly of removing older, fading, or algae-covered leaves. Use sharp scissors to cut the petiole near the rhizome, taking care not to nick or cut the main rhizome body. Never bury the rhizome when replanting or maintaining, as this can induce rot.

Propagation

Division

Propagation is done by separating mature side shoots or carefully dividing the main rhizome. Ensure each division has a healthy section of rhizome, several robust leaves, and established roots. Replant the divisions with the rhizome exposed above the substrate surface.

Sensitivity

Moderate

It can be sensitive to dramatic shifts in water parameters, which might trigger 'crypt melt' where the leaves dissolve. Stable water chemistry, temperature, and CO2 levels are vital for long-term success. It requires moderate to high lighting to maintain its pink hue; low light will cause it to revert to green.

Layout role

Midground, accent

It is highly prized as a spectacular, colorful midground focal point that draws the eye. The broad, pink leaves provide an incredible contrast against bright green stem plants or dark wood. It serves as an excellent anchor plant around which to build a complex aquascape design.