Ludwigia inclinata 'Cuba' - Tissue Culture

Ludwigia inclinata 'Cuba': The Cuban Ludwigia

Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba' is a highly sought-after and visually arresting aquatic stem plant/tissue culture, frequently referred to in the hobby simply as Ludwigia 'Cuba'. This particular variety originates from the Isle of Youth off the coast of Cuba, where it is found growing both submerged and emerged in swampy areas. Its beauty lies in its dramatic change in appearance when grown fully underwater.

In its submerged form, the plant develops long, narrow, needle-like leaves arranged densely in whorls around the stem, giving it a distinctive, fine-textured appearance often confused with Pogostemon stellata. The new growth, or "Cuba New," at the top of the stem showcases its most spectacular feature: intense coloration that ranges from golden-orange and coppery-brown to a brilliant, fiery red-orange, often with a unique marbled pattern.

While considered one of the easier Ludwigia inclinata variants to cultivate, the Ludwigia 'Cuba' is a highly demanding plant that serves as an excellent accent or focal point in the midground or background of high-tech aquascapes.

Care & Growth Profile:

• Difficulty: Medium to Advanced. It is hardy, but requires high care to display its vibrant color and compact form.
• Growth Habit: It is a Stem Plant, growing rapidly and profusely under optimal conditions, often reaching heights of 12 to 24 inches (30-60 cm). It is fast-growing and tends to branch out, forming dense clusters.
• Lighting: High (Essential for Color). While the plant can survive under moderate light, high-intensity lighting (high PAR) is absolutely critical for the development and maintenance of its intense orange and red pigments. Under low light, it will become leggy and turn green.
• Substrate & Fertilization: Heavy Feeder. Requires a nutrient-rich environment. It benefits significantly from a high-quality, nutrient-rich aqua soil substrate and consistent dosing of liquid macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients. A good supply of Iron is essential for red coloration; deficiency results in white or pale new shoots.
• CO₂: Required. Supplemental CO₂ injection is necessary to promote the vigorous growth rate, compact form, and vivid coloration this plant is known for. Growth is much slower, sparser, and greener without it.
• Water Parameters: Prefers soft to medium-soft water (low KH) with a slightly acidic pH range of 6.0−7.5. Ideal temperature is 72−82°F (22−28°C).
• Propagation: By stem cuttings. Due to its fast growth, frequent trimming is needed. When trimming, it is often recommended to replant the healthy top portion and discard the older, tougher bottom stem, as the base of the plant can sometimes melt after a hard trim.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Ludwigia inclinata 'Cuba'
• Primary Common Name: Cuban Ludwigia
• Other Common Names: Ludwigia 'Cuba', Ludwigia inclinata New
• Origin: South America (Isle of Youth, Cuba)
• Max Size: 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Heavy Water Column/Substrate Feeder
• Minimum Tank Size: 20+ Gallons (Larger tanks best accommodate its size)
• Aquarium Placement: Midground / Background (as a colored accent)
• Coloration: Intense Orange, Coppery-Red, Fiery Red (High Light Required)