If you are looking for a plant that can light up your aquarium, pay attention to Ludwigia rubin. This is not just a green twig — it is a real treasure with rich cherry-red leaves. It instantly attracts the eye and becomes a bright accent in any underwater landscape.
The secret to its stunning coloration is simple: good lighting and sufficient nutrients. The more light the plant receives, the brighter and deeper the shade of its foliage becomes. This makes Ludwigia an excellent indicator of conditions in the aquarium.
It is easy to care for, which will please both beginners and experienced aquarists. It grows readily, and its stems can be easily cut and replanted. This allows you to form lush bushes or picturesque backdrops, filling the aquarium with volume and color.
Ludwigia rubin is the perfect choice for those who want to add a little warmth and drama to their underwater world. It does not require much effort, but generously rewards attention with its dazzling beauty.
Distribution area
Considering that Ludwigia rubinensis is a hybrid of Ludwigia glandulosa, its native habitat can be considered the marshlands of southern North and Central America and the Greater Antilles.
Nowadays, its range has expanded significantly, and the plant can be found in all warm corners of the planet.
Growing and care
Although Ludwigia glandulosa is considered a demanding plant in terms of maintenance, this does not apply to Ludwigia rubra.
The plant quickly adapts to a wide range of hydrochemical parameters and light levels.
But to achieve a vivid, colorful leaf color, it needs nutritious soil and intense lighting.
General care recommendations:
- Not suitable for small aquariums. Good growth is observed in herbariums with a volume of 100 liters or more.
- The optimal height of the viewing glass is 40 cm.
- The recommended proportions of width, height, and depth of the tank are 2:1:1.
- It is advisable not to place the plant near herbivorous animals. It can be kept with Amano shrimp.
- Ludwigia rubin does not grow on rocks or driftwood.
- It can be grown in a paludarium and a humid greenhouse. Under such conditions, the leaf plates become smaller but more expressive, glossy, and dense.
- It is advisable to place it in the center in groups of 5 plants, or in the background.
Under good conditions, the plant rapidly develops side shoots and turns into a cute fluffy bush.
Optimal water parameters
Ludwigia rubin shows off all the shades of its decorative qualities in clean water. Therefore, a filtration system and an aeration device should be installed in the herbarium. These devices prevent aquarium debris from settling on the leaves.
Recommended hydrochemical parameters:
- total hardness — 2-10°dGH.
The most comfortable temperature is in the range of 24°C-25°C.
However, a temporary drop to 18°C or an increase to 32°C will not have a detrimental effect on the plant.
It thrives in slightly acidified water.
It is important to monitor the pH level, as sudden changes have a negative effect on Ludwigia.
Lighting requirements
The decorative qualities of this plant directly depend on lighting parameters. All Ludwigia species prefer bright light, so the recommended intensity is 70 lm/l.
Weak and faded leaf plates are an indicator of insufficient light.
Soil quality
Since Ludwigia rubra has a poorly developed root system, the choice of substrate should be taken seriously. Coarse river sand laid in a 4 cm layer is suitable as a substrate. Pebbles are not suitable for the delicate roots of this plant.
Need for feeding
The brightness and saturation of the leaf plates depends on the concentration of iron in the water. This element can be added daily, not exceeding a total of 1.4 mg/l per week with microfertilizers.
The optimal concentration is from 0.1 to 0.3. It is also necessary to organize the supply of carbon dioxide. The absence of CO2 leads to the formation of holes in the leaves.
Ludwigia rubra is a vibrant and undemanding aquarium plant that instantly attracts attention with its rich red-burgundy color. It fits easily into the background or side of the aquarium, creating a vivid gloss effect, as if someone had added drops of red wine to the water. With good light and minimal care, Ludwigia rubra grows quickly, remains compact, and gives the aquarium a well-groomed, almost professional look. It is the perfect choice for those who want a bright accent in their aquascape but are not ready to bother with complicated care.
Reproduction characteristics
Ludwigia rubra reproduces vegetatively.
To obtain a new bush, cut off the top of the main stem and transplant it to a new location or place it in the water.
This culture is capable of developing for a long time without rooting.
Variations in the name
There are several alternative names:
- Ludwigia aff. Glandulosa;
- Ludwigia sp. “Weinrot”;
- Ludwigia sp. “Red Wine”.
Unfortunately, confusion in the systematization of this hybrid has led to the spread of incorrect names for Ludwigia rubra.
Incorrect names:
- Ludwigia repens;
- Ludwigia repens “Rubin”;
- Ludwigia glandulosa;
- Ludwigia ‘Super Red’;
- L. Glandiosa.
This plant is often confused with Ludwigia Red. But they are hybrids of completely different species. The Ruby subspecies has larger leaf plates, which lighten when there is a lack of light. The Red subspecies is distinguished by its consistent color and smaller leaves.
Ludwigia rubra is truly an aquarium inhabitant that can become the main accent in an underwater landscape. Its rich ruby-burgundy color creates a stunning contrast with the greenery of other plants and emphasizes the beauty of bright fish.
Caring for it is not as difficult as it may seem. It is enough to provide good lighting and periodically apply fertilizer. Then it will delight you with its dense, iridescent bushes. This plant is great for experimentation: it can be trimmed to form beautiful thickets or allowed to grow along driftwood.
If you want to add depth, volume, and a warm, noble color to your aquarium, go ahead and choose Ludwigia rubra. It will become your reliable ally in creating a truly picturesque and cozy underwater world.
