Ludwigia brevipes 'green'

Ludwigia brevipes 'green' is a beautiful aquatic plant, known for its delicate leaves and striking green coloration. It's relatively easy to care for in an aquarium, provided the right conditions are met. Here’s a care guide for Ludwigia brevipes 'green':

1. Lighting:

• Medium to high lighting is ideal for this plant to thrive.
• Lower light can cause the plant to become leggy, and the green coloration may dull.
• Aim for about 8–10 hours of light per day.

2. CO2 Requirements:

• While CO2 is not absolutely necessary, supplementing with CO2 injection will promote faster growth and healthier plants.
• Without CO2, growth may be slower, but the plant will still survive.

3. Water Parameters:

• pH: 6.0–8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral water)
• Temperature: 22–28°C is ideal.
• Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, GH of 3–12 dGH.

4. Nutrient Requirements:

• Fertilization is important, especially in high-light setups.
• Use a comprehensive liquid fertilizer that contains micronutrients and macronutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Root tabs can also help if planted in nutrient-poor substrates.

5. Growth and Pruning:

• Ludwigia brevipes 'green' grows vertically with a stem structure. Regular pruning is recommended to prevent it from overshadowing other plants.
• Trimming encourages side shoots, making the plant bushier.

6. Substrate:

• It can grow in a variety of substrates, but nutrient-rich substrates like aqua soil will promote better growth.
• Fine-grain substrates are preferable for root stability.

7. Placement:

• This plant is typically used as a midground or background plant, as it can grow quite tall if left untrimmed.
• It looks great when placed with contrasting plants like red-stemmed Ludwigia species or other colourful aquatic plants.

8. Propagation:

• Ludwigia brevipes propagates by cuttings. Simply cut a healthy stem and replant it into the substrate.
• It will quickly develop roots and grow into a new plant.

9. Flow and Filtration:

• Moderate water flow is ideal. It doesn't require heavy flow, but good water circulation helps deliver nutrients.

Common Issues:

• Leggy growth: Usually caused by low light. Increase the lighting or trim the plant to encourage bushier growth.
• Yellowing leaves: Can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, especially nitrogen or iron. Check your fertilization routine.

With proper care, Ludwigia brevipes 'green' can thrive in an aquarium, offering a lush and vibrant green addition to your aquascape.

An interesting fact about Ludwigia brevipes 'green' is that its leaf colour can shift depending on the conditions in which it's grown. Under high light and with the addition of CO2, this plant can develop hints of red or orange on its tips, even though it's primarily known for its green coloration. This makes it a dynamic plant for aquascaping, as you can subtly alter its appearance by tweaking the lighting, CO2, and nutrient levels!