Ludwigia Inclinata

Ludwigia inclinata

High-Impact Red Stem Plant with Dramatic Color Shift

Ludwigia inclinata is a premium, high-end stem plant prized for its intense red to crimson coloration and elegant, elongated leaves when grown submerged. In its emersed form it appears greener and more subdued, but once transitioned underwater under strong light and CO₂, it transforms into one of the most striking red plants available to aquascapers. Its bold color and vertical structure make it a true focal point in Dutch-style, nature, and competition aquascapes.

🌱 Key Features

• Dramatic transformation from green emersed to red submerged growth

• Narrow, elongated leaves with elegant spacing

• Strong vertical stem structure

• One of the most vivid red plants under optimal conditions

• Ideal focal or background accent in high-tech layouts

⚙️ Optimal Aquarium Parameters

Difficulty: Medium–High
Growth Rate: Moderate
Placement: Midground to Background

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–27 °C (68–81 °F)

• pH: 5.5–7.0

• GH: 1–6 dGH

• KH: 0–3 dKH

• TDS: ~60–150 ppm

💡 Lighting

• Requirement: High

• Strong lighting is essential for deep red coloration

• Lower light will result in greener, elongated growth

💨 CO₂

• Strongly Recommended

• Stable CO₂ is critical for healthy growth, tight internodes, and color saturation

🌿 Nutrients

• Primarily a water-column feeder

• Requires consistent macro nutrients (especially nitrates)

• Iron and trace elements significantly enhance red pigmentation

• Avoid nutrient instability, which can cause stunting or melt

✂️ Care & Maintenance

• Trim and replant tops regularly to maintain density

• Remove older lower leaves as the plant matures

• Sensitive to fluctuations—stability in light, CO₂, and fertilization is key