When flora and fauna of your aquarium are almost complete, think twice, you might have forgotten the versatile Ludwigia Glandulosa which is rare and versatile of all the Ludwigia species.
Another plant from our red aquarium plants collection to highlight the mid-zone of your tank with this species of the aquatic herb can send a message you want to convey.
New hobbyists are just eager to experiment with the inclusion of this herb in an underwater landscape.
Scientific Classification
- Botanical name: Ludwígia glandulósa
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms, Eudicots, Rosids
- Phylum: Tracheophyta
- Order: Myrtales
- Family: Onagraceae
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Genus: Ludwigia L.
- Species: L. glandulosa
- Plant Type: Stem
Common names:
- Cylindricfruit Primrose-Willow
- Ludwigia cylindrica Elliot
- Red star Ludwigia
- Diamond Ludwigia
Synonym Plants:
Ludwigia cylindrica Elliot
Ludwigia glandulosa ''Perennis.''
When you search for this species in the aquascape trade, its familiar name is Ludwigia peruensis. It is always available commercially. This stem plant is at times mistaken as Ludwigia peruviana or Ludwigia perennis
Origin of Ludwigia Glandulosa
Ludwigia glandulosa first existed in North America, specifically in the middle and southeastern part of the United States.
Because it is a prolific species, it can quickly spread in far edges of the world. It is now cultivated in Taiwan and leading aquascape and horticulture nurseries.
However, in certain states in the US, like Indiana and Maryland, the said species are classified endangered. Perhaps due to human-made reasons like development and reclamation, Ludwigia species is now nearing extinction in areas they were found indigenous before.
Description and Forms
Like the rest of the Ludwigia species, Cylindricfruit Primrose-Willow seems to be unique from the others.
Ludwigia glandulosa has oval leaves that are pointed on its tip. They grow in pairs but alternatingly along the stem.
Hues of green, golden, orange, red, and purple are its natural colors, but it changes to deep coloration when slowly illuminated. This plant is more attractive when planted by groups, preferably of a dozen stems per bunch. It is also sold commercially in bunches like this sort.
You may want to keep your foliage green or greener when you only provide light to moderate illumination. If you opt for red hues, increase the intensity of light.
Adjust your light based on the coloration you want to achieve. The plant turns even more vibrant when vital nutrients are provided.
Since the growth rate of this herb is slow to moderate, the stem's size can reach 15 to 12 centimeters in width and 15 to 40 centimeters in height.
Submersed Growth
In a submerged state, in your tank, fish ponds, or its natural habitat, it grows straight to the water surface without the presence of side stems.
The keyword is not likely to branch, but if you want it to have side shoots to grow widely, you have to snip the stem's tips.
Emersed Growth
This stem plant can also grow emersed like the majority of aquatic plants as you can imagine.
They can be cultivated in vitro caps as bonsai, in bowl or bottle terrariums, vivariums, viquariums, paludariums, terrariums, mini jardines, aquascape waterfall, plant nurseries, and laboratories.
Proper Care for Ludwigia Glandulosa
This stem plant belongs to small Ludwigia species which grows relatively slow. Its striking display of green to red coloration in your aquarium is a pleasant sight that pays off your time, money, and most especially the effort.
Environment and sunlight are contributing factors for this plant to thrive in its natural habitat. However, this species of plants are favorites of horticulturist to be cultured in plant nurseries and high-end laboratories.
Plant lovers would prefer keyword for decorating their aquariums. Whether it serves as foliage in your tank or forage for your fish, it is essential that care is observed and sufficient nutrients are absorbed.
Nutritional Requirements
- The plant requires constant CO2 infusion
- Lighting provision is from moderate to high
- Level of pH should be from 5.5 to 8
- Average Hardiness
- Regular doses of trace elements and Iron
- Macronutrients NO3 (Nitrates) from 5 to 25 ppm
- Macronutrients PO4 (Phosphate) of 0.5 to 3 ppm
Planting and Decorating Procedures
Ludwigia cylindrica Elliot is a stem plant that is sold by bunches in the horticulture trade. Ludwigia species are a mainstay in the aquascape.
Stem plants like these are typically sold as is, without roots or so minimal. Each bunch comes with a weight that will secure them when placed underwater.
Drop the bunch of stems into the substrate, and the weight will manage the plant to be steady. Sooner there will be roots growing from the stems. Alas! You are now heading to propagate.
You may want to position it in clusters at midground or equally distribute them as background. You may also like to place them heavily in a corner where it will freely grow to create a bushy appearance.
You should be able to control its growth through frequent trimming of the topmost part and the sides. You do not want to swamp your tank with it anyway.
Cuttings can be more substantial when you want to replant them in the substrate. Estimate the spacing so they won't be crowded when fully grown.
When you want to disperse the plants, cut the stems diagonally before planting its tips at about 1/4 inch deep into the substrate. Observe the spacing likewise.
Occasional trimmings will lead to propagating the plant. Excess cuttings will fall off to the substrate and will eventually grow roots to create baby plants.
How to achieve intense coloration?
Cylindricfruit Primrose-Willow is highly dependent on the amount of light you provide for it. Coloration varies from nature green to magenta to mauve.
The higher the light, the more the color intensifies, and the lower light you provide it will result in a paler or pastel hues. It is just comparable to natural photosynthesis.
Nitrates supplement should be minimal to achieve the optimum coloration. Leaves do fall off to the ground for it is just average with mature plants. Falling leaves are not at all caused by too much or too little illumination.
Final Thoughts About Ludwigia Cylindrica Elliot
This herbaceous plant is a rare Ludwigia variation because of its unique coloring. Its leaves appeared to be greener on top and reddish underneath. That occurrence catches the eyes of the onlookers.
As mentioned often, colors become more striking when exposed to bright lighting. Colors vary also depending on its natural habitat.
Likewise, when the plant is living in your tank, colors vary as well based on how they adapt in an alternative environment. Factors that affect its coloration can also be attributed to what nutrition the plants receive.
If the fish in your aquarium is aggressive, there is a tendency for your foliage to disarrange. Aside from that, this species of aquatic plant is favorite forage for your fish, including pests, fungi, and algae.
Do not hesitate for the help and knowledge of an experienced aquarist, especially if your tank is broad and big. He could create an impactful underwater landscape for you.
Finally, bear in mind to maintain equilibrium in every aspect of decorating your aquarium. Some variety of Ludwigia species aside from the popular Ludwigia Glantulosa will create a dynamic focal view as long as the colors of the foliage come in full harmony.
Photos by Tropica
I just found some of these in my yard in south Louisiana. Isn't that strange?