Ludwigia Super Red

Ludwigia sp. 'Super Red'

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Onagraceae

📍 South America

Ludwigia Super Red (also sold as Ludwigia sp. 'Red') is the full-size counterpart to Super Red Mini, producing larger oval leaves of intense blood-red to deep crimson coloration under high light and iron dosing. Its vivid, uniform red makes it one of the most striking background plants in aquascaping. Regular trimming and replanting of cuttings maintains colour intensity throughout the stem column.

Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp

Shrimp will not damage the plant and help control algae; they thrive in the same nutrient-rich, high-light environment.

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Excellent algae control without harming the plant; compatible with the same water parameters and fertilization regimen.

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that will not uproot or damage the plant and add visual contrast to the red foliage.

good

Otocinclus

Gentle algae eaters that graze on plant surfaces without causing damage; prefer the same soft, acidic water conditions.

good

Rotala Rotundifolia

Excellent companion plant with similar high-light and nutrient requirements; creates a striking contrast with different leaf shapes.

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Complementary foreground plant that thrives under the same high-light conditions and benefits from shared fertilization.

good

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale leaves, loss of red coloration, stunted growth, interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins while veins remain green).

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing frequency to 3–4 times weekly; add iron supplements specifically (e.g., Flourish Iron) and ensure macronutrient balance (NPK). Test water parameters and adjust CO₂ if needed.

Algae Overgrowth (Green/Black Spot Algae)

Symptoms

Green or black spots on leaves, visible algae coating on stems, reduced light penetration to lower leaves.

Treatment

Reduce light duration to 8–10 hours daily if algae is excessive; increase water change frequency (30–50% weekly); add algae-eating shrimp or fish; manually remove affected leaves and improve water circulation.

Melting (Leaf Decay)

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; stems become soft and deteriorate rapidly.

Treatment

Ensure stable water parameters (pH 6.0–7.2, temperature 22–28°C); improve water circulation and aeration; perform 30% water changes; remove severely affected stems and replant healthy cuttings; check for excess organic waste in substrate.

Slow Growth / Poor Coloration

Symptoms

Minimal new leaf growth, pale or dull red coloration despite adequate light, small or deformed leaves.

Treatment

Verify CO₂ injection is active (30–40 ppm); increase light intensity to 120–200 PAR; boost fertilization with all-in-one and iron supplements; ensure substrate contains aquasoil with micronutrients; check for fish waste accumulation and perform water changes.