Care Guide
Family Name: Onagraceae
Ludwigia Inclinata Var Verticillata Cuba
Care at a Glance
Lighting
High
Growth Rate
Fast in good conditions
Growth Form
Stem
Placement
Background
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Bunch
About This Plant
Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata ‘ Cuba’ is a really lovely plant. While Ludwigia inclinata is a very wide spread and variable species in South and Central America. Var. ‘Cuba"‘ is found only on a small island off the coast of Cuba. Grown emersed, the plant doesn’t look any different from the other plants of this species. With four-petalled yellow flowers and green ovate leaves. It is under water in good light that this plant shows its spectacular side! It is often confused with Pogostemon stellata in this form. Whorls of fine, thin leaves at each node turn more and more reddish as the plant approaches the surface if light and conditions are good. This plant needs good light, supplemental CO2, a fertile substrate and regular nutrient supply to do its best, ut will reward those who give it such care handsomely!
About the Ludwigia Genus
Family — Onagraceae
Ludwigia are red-to-orange stem plants in the Onagraceae family. Strong light and CO2 deepen their color, but most species also do well as bushy green stems in moderate-light tanks. They propagate easily from cuttings.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Family Name: Onagraceae
- Scientific name
- Ludwigia Inclinata Var Verticillata Cuba
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Native to
- Cuba
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Requirements
- Need supplemental CO2 and good nutrient supply, but does well in those conditions
- Lighting
- High
- Growth rate
- Fast in good conditions
- Growth form
- Stem
- Placement
- Background
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Bunch
Difficulty — Advanced
Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 supplementation is recommended for best growth and color. Liquid carbon (Easy Carbon, Excel) is a workable substitute, though pressurized CO2 produces the strongest results.
Tank Size & Setup
Best in tanks 20 gallons or larger so background stems have room to grow up and be trimmed without overtaking the foreground.
Aquascaping & Placement
Plant at the back of the tank as a vertical accent or full background curtain. Group stems in clusters of 5-10 for a fuller display. Trim and replant the tops every 3-4 weeks. The new growth tips hold the best color and form, while lower stems eventually need replacing.
Tank-Mate Compatibility
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Pro Tips for Growing Family Name: Onagraceae
- 1Cut and replant the tops every few weeks — the new growth holds the best red tones.
- 2Iron-rich liquid ferts and lean nitrate intensify red coloration in Ludwigia.
Common Care Issues
Algae outbreaks
High-light plants without matched CO2 and nutrient dosing reliably trigger algae blooms. If you can't run pressurized CO2, choose a lower-light alternative or accept some algae management.
Outgrowing the tank
Plan to trim every 1-2 weeks. Skipping trims lets the plant shade out neighbors and trap detritus that fouls water quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Family Name: Onagraceae need?
Family Name: Onagraceae (Ludwigia Inclinata Var Verticillata Cuba) prefers high lighting. Plan on a high-output LED fixture combined with pressurized CO2 for the best color and form.
Does Family Name: Onagraceae need CO2?
CO2 supplementation is recommended for best growth and color. Liquid carbon (Easy Carbon, Excel) is a workable substitute, though pressurized CO2 produces the strongest results.
Is Family Name: Onagraceae good for beginners?
Family Name: Onagraceae is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
How fast does Family Name: Onagraceae grow?
Growth rate is fast in good conditions. Expect to trim every 1-2 weeks once established.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Family Name: Onagraceae?
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Available to Purchase
Family Name: Onagraceae — $19.99
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