Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red' - Tissue Culture

Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red': The Ultimate Red Stem Plant

The Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red' is one of the most popular and easiest red-colored aquatic stem plants/tissue cultures available to aquarists. This striking cultivar is celebrated for its ability to develop a deep, intense, fiery red or burgundy coloration under optimal conditions, providing a stunning contrast to green foliage in any aquascape.

While botanically a variety of the cosmopolitan species Ludwigia palustris , this plant is known in the hobby by many commercial trade names, including 'Ludwigia Super Red', 'Ludwigia Natans Super Red', or 'Mini Super Red' (since its leaves are generally smaller than those of Ludwigia repens 'Rubin'). Despite being able to survive in a variety of conditions, it requires a high-tech setup with intense lighting to achieve its namesake 'Super Red' color.

This is a fast-growing stem plant that readily produces side shoots, which can be aggressively trimmed and replanted to create dense, bushy clusters, making it a favorite for mid-ground and background accents in Dutch and Nature style aquascapes.

Care & Aquascaping:

• Lighting: High / Intense is required to achieve the most vibrant red color. Under moderate or low light, the plant will appear green or a dull reddish-brown and will become "leggy" (increased distance between leaf nodes). The red pigment (anthocyanins) is produced by the plant as a form of natural "sunscreen" against intense light.
• CO₂ Injection: Recommended for Best Color and Growth. While it can grow in low-tech tanks (without injected CO₂), the best, most robust growth and deepest color is achieved with CO₂ supplementation of 20-30 mg/L.
• Fertilization: A nutrient-rich substrate (like aquasoil) and a comprehensive liquid fertilizer are highly recommended. This plant is a Nitrogen-hungry species. Adequate iron supplementation is critical for enhancing red coloration and preventing yellowing leaves.
• Placement: Due to its height (up to 12-16+ inches), it is best used in the Mid-Ground or Background of the aquarium. It should be planted in clusters of 10-12 stems for the best visual impact.
• Propagation: Propagation is simple by cutting the stem between the nodes (head cuttings) and replanting the tops into the substrate. Regular, vigorous trimming is necessary to maintain a compact, bushy appearance.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red' (often sold as Ludwigia sp. 'Super Red')
• Primary Common Name: Super Red Ludwigia
• Other Common Names: Ludwigia Mini Super Red, Ludwigia Natans Super Red, Marsh Seedbox
• Origin: Cosmopolitan (Cultivar)
• Type: Stem Plant
• Growth Rate: Medium to Fast
• Max Height: 10-40 cm (4-16+ inches)
• Light Demand: Moderate to High (High for best color)
• CO₂ Demand: Medium to High (Recommended for vibrant red)
• Temperature Range: 68°F−82°F ( 20°C−28°C )
• pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5
• Tank Placement: Mid-Ground to Background