Super red Ludwigia Palustris is one of the best focal point plants in any tank. Its super red coloration is the prime feature, which depends on various aspects, especially CO2 injection. This article will discuss its introduction, CO2 injection, and how to promote red coloration. Let’s give you a spoiler, it is easy to grow and maintain. A step-by-step growth procedure is in the last section. Scroll the page for great learning.
Content Table
Ludwigia super red
Ludwigia Plants
Primrose-willow or Ludwigia are aquatic plants that mainly grow in tropical regions. They belong to the Onagraceae family. Ludwigia had about 82 confirmed plant species until 2023. Researchers are working on many species to determine whether they belong to Ludwigia.
Ludwigia was discovered in Germany in the 18th century. With carbon dating on fossils, researchers found their presence on Earth since 33.2 million years ago. Here are some Ludwigia species that are popular among aquarists.
| Luwigia Mini Super Red | Ludwigia Ruby | Ludwigia repens Atlantis |
| Ludwigia Arcuata | Ludwigia Cuba |
Related video: What to Do with Ludwigia Palustris When Received
Is Ludwigia Super Red Easy to Grow?
Yes, it is easy to grow Luwigia super red in your tank. Its easy maintenance and fast growth make it a top choice for aquarium geeks. They can bear and thrive in various water conditions and are easy to propagate as they readily produce new shoots. However, due to their fragile nature, they require careful handling.
What is Ludwigia Super Red?
Ludwigia palustris is another name for ludwigia super red. It is known for its super red coloration with a dark shade underside. Medium to high light pops out its coloration. Moreover, the CO2 and nutrient concentration also impact the coloration.
Peculiarities
- Its color, i.e., green to red, depends on the light concentration.
- It is very easy to pop out red coloration with medium to high-intensity light.
- Ludwigia super red grows up to 10 to 30 cm tall.
- It is suitable for midground and background in the tank.
- It has small, round, and pointed leaves that grow in un-parallel direction around the stem.
- They show a high growth rate and easy propagation.
- Regular pruning promotes bushy growth.
Grow Ludwigia Super Red
Live Requirements
As mentioned, it is easy to grow in your tank. However, for proper growth, follow optimal live requirements. Here are these requirements.
| Parameter | Brief |
| Tank size | Minimum 10 to 15 gallons |
| Lighting | 30 to 50 PAR at substrate |
| 8 to 10 hours per day | |
| Full-spectrum light | |
| CO2 | 20 to 30 ppm for optimal growth and red coloration |
| Substrate | Nutrient-rich or grow in root tabs |
| Nutrient | Iron: 0.05ppm per day for red coloration |
| Nitrogen: ~10 ppm per week | |
| Phosphorus: ~1ppm per week | |
| Potassium: ~15ppm per week | |
| Micronutrients: Magnesium, manganese, boron, zinc, and copper
Low-tech tanks: 1 or 2 times per week High-tech tank: daily |
|
| Water temperature | 68–82°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | GH: 3–8 dGH |
| KH: 1–6 dKH | |
| Water change | 20 – 30% per week |
| Maintenance | Easy |
| Placement | Midground or background |
Does Ludwigia Palustris Super Red Need CO2?
Generally, it does not require CO2. However, CO2 helps ludwigia in various ways. Here are some impacts of supplying CO2 in the tank.
- It will improve the plant growth that is otherwise suppressed and slow.
- With optimal lighting and nutrients, the CO2 promotes red coloration in the plant.
- It will suppress the algae growth in the tank.
- Its response to pruning and propagation is optimized, with a CO2 supply in the tank.
How to Use CO2 for It?
Ludwigia planted tank requires about 20 to 30 ppm CO2 for enhanced growth. To maintain that level, follow this step-by-step procedure.
Method Selection
There are usually three methods to supply CO2 to an aquarium.
- Pressurized CO2 method
- DIY CO2 systems
- Liquid carbon supplements
The pressurized CO2 method is the most suitable and stable among all three. It’s suitable for large and medium-level tanks. DIY CO2 systems are budget-friendly but less stable. Liquid carbon supplements are the last and least effective method. So, we’ll go forward with the pressurized CO2 method.
CO2 Application Time
Synchronize its supply with lighting hours for proper optimal carbon availability for photosynthesis. Turn on the pressurized CO2 about 1 to 2 hours before turning on the lights. Switch it off about 2 hours later than turning off the light.
Diffusion
Use a CO2 diffuser for optimal dissolution in the water. The diffuser forms bubbles. Place it near the high flow rate area for even and proper CO2 diffusion in the water.
CO2 Use Optimization
Use a 30 to 50 PAR full spectrum light to achieve the optimal CO2 results. The weekly nutrient dose, i.e., micro and macronutrients, will help to avoid nutrient deficiencies that can otherwise impact plant growth.
Monitoring
Use a drop checker in the tank. Install it in the low flow rate area. Check the CO2 level with coloration. Green indicates the best living conditions for animals and plants. Blue indicates a slight drop in CO2, and yellow indicates an acute low level. If the plant leaves are yellow, increase the dose.
Inspire Ludwigia Palustris Super Red
Inspire Super Red Ludwigia Palustris
Ludwigia palustris coloration is a key feature of the plant. Its super red coloration enhances the overall look of any tank and makes the plant a focal point in the tank. Several ways inspire super red coalition. Here are these factors
Lighting
Low or insufficient light increases internodal spacing and causes dull coloration. Install high-intensity lights, i.e., 2 to 4 watts per gallon, in the tank. Turn on the lights for 10 to 12 hours per day.
Regular Nutrient Supply
Sufficient nutrients enhance the plant’s growth and improve its coloration. Ludwigia super red is a nitrogen-hungry plant. Therefore, frequently check the plant and apply micro and macronutrients. Moreover, use the nutrient-rich substrate for plant growth.
CO2 Supply
Ludwigia super red can grow without CO2. However, CO2 supply improves growth and coloration. Therefore, supply 20 to 30 ppm CO2 levels in your tank.
pH and Water Temperature
pH and water temperature are other color-controlling factors. You can improve the coloration by maintaining the optimal temperature, i.e., 72 to 82°F, and pH between, i.e., 6.0 to 7.5. Moreover, avoid fluctuation in water parameters as they can cause stress.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning helps to cast old leaves and promote new and bright leaves. It also promotes the bushy growth of the plant by stimulating the side shoot production.
Grow Ludwigia Super Red
How to Grow Ludwigia Super Red?
Luwigia super red is an easy-to-grow plant. However, following a procedure will help you to achieve your desired redness in plants with optimal growth rates.
Plantation
Ludwigia super red is perfect for the midground and background position of the tank, so plant it there. On the plantation, keep the top 2 to 3 inches out of the substrate. It can grow up to 20 cm, so provide ample space. Moreover, overcrowding suppresses it. Position it at adequate flow conditions.
Lighting
Install a full-spectrum, 30 to 50 PAR light at the substrate in the tank. Turn it on for 10–12 hours per day. Install the light in such a position that it adequately covers the entire planted area. In low intensity, the plant turns green and leggy.
Nutrient
Use a nutrient-rich substrate for optimal growth. Apply a proper dose of micro and macronutrients. Dosage is already discussed.
CO2 Level
They can grow without CO2. However, supply CO2 for optimal growth and red coloration. Moreover, it’ll also promote plant growth. 20 to 30 ppm is the optimal level. CO2 injection is already discussed.
Water Parameters
They can bear a large fluctuation in water parameters. But they will lose their color and growth rate. The optimal pH, temperature, and hardness are important water parameters. So, keep them in prime condition.
Trimming
Trim the plant to promote bushy and healthy growth. The top trimmed branches can be used for propagation. Other than top branches, trim off the yellowing or dead leaves to save the plant energy.
Water Change and Maintenance
Change 20 to 30% aquarium water each week. It will remove debris and excessive nutrients and avoid algae growth. Also, check the water parameters, CO2 level, nutrient level, etc., each week.
Ludwigia palustris blooms
Closing Remarks
Ludwigia super red plants are among aquarists’ top choices. They love them due to low maintenance, high growth, and super red color. Along with water parameters, CO2, lighting, and nutrient supply promote the red coloration. Maintain a 20 to 30 ppm concentration of CO2 in the tank with the proper CO2 injection method. It is easy to grow them after following the step-by-step growth procedure.
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