Ludwigia - Super Red

Ludwigia sp. 'Super red' is actually a variety of Ludwigia palustris. It is known by many trade names such as Ludwigia 'mini super red' and Ludwigia sp. 'red' and they all refer to the same plant. There's no such thing as a mini version - plants grown in poor conditions are simply smaller in size compared to plants grown in a more nutritious environment. It will grow tall over time and is best used in the middle or background. It should be regularly pruned to form a nice canopy - left to its own devices it tends to grow untidily. As the leaves are loosely formed, larger, bushier clumps give a much better visual effect than individual stems. 

• Can grow in lower light conditions (40 umols PAR), but higher light levels (80 umols PAR+) will give better colouring and cause the plant to produce more side shoots.

• Well balanced fertilisation. Higher nutrient levels result in more branching and side shoots. Low nutrient levels result in smaller growth forms and less bushy growth.

• Regular pruning to maintain bushier form.

• The presence of at least some CO2 (10ppm+) improves colouration and allows the plant to branch out more, resulting in denser bushes after repeated pruning.