Care sheet for Ludwigia brevipes, a popular aquatic plant species commonly known as "Narrow Leaf Ludwigia":
Species: Ludwigia brevipes
Common Names: Narrow Leaf Ludwigia
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Lighting Requirements: Moderate to High (at least 2-3 watts per gallon of aquarium lighting)
CO2 Requirements: Not strictly required, but beneficial. Can grow well in low CO2 setups, but may benefit from supplemental CO2 in higher light setups.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH: 6.0-7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2-10 dKH)
Plant Placement: Background or Mid-ground
Propagation: Cuttings or side shoots
Care Tips:
Lighting: Provide moderate to high lighting for optimal growth and coloration. Ludwigia brevipes requires relatively high light intensity to maintain its vibrant red coloration. Use full-spectrum LED or fluorescent lights with a color temperature around 6500K for best results. Avoid placing Ludwigia brevipes in shaded areas of the aquarium, as it may lead to leggy growth and less intense coloration.
CO2: While Ludwigia brevipes can grow without CO2 supplementation, providing supplemental CO2 can promote faster growth and more intense coloration. CO2 injection can be especially beneficial in high light setups or when aiming for vibrant red coloration. However, it can also grow well in low CO2 setups with proper care.
Water Parameters: Ludwigia brevipes prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH and soft to moderately hard water. Keep the water clean and well-aerated, and perform regular water changes to maintain optimal water quality. Avoid sudden changes in water parameters, as it can cause stress and affect plant health.
Substrate: Provide a nutrient-rich substrate to promote healthy root growth. Ludwigia brevipes can benefit from a nutrient-rich substrate such as aquarium soil, clay-based substrate, or nutrient-rich gravel. You can also add root tabs or liquid fertilizers to provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning and Propagation: Regular pruning is important to maintain a neat appearance and encourage bushier growth. Trim any yellow or damaged leaves and trim the stems to the desired height using sharp aquarium scissors. Ludwigia brevipes can propagate through cuttings or side shoots, which can be replanted in the substrate to create new plants.
Placement: Ludwigia brevipes can be used as a background or mid-ground plant in the aquarium. It grows tall and bushy, making it ideal for filling in the back or sides of the tank. Consider planting it in groups or clusters for a denser appearance and to create a focal point in your aquascape.
With proper care, Ludwigia brevipes can thrive and add a striking splash of red color to your aquarium. Pay attention to lighting, nutrient supplementation, and regular pruning to ensure healthy growth and vibrant coloration for this beautiful aquatic plant species.