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Ludwigia Super Red

Ludwigia sp. 'Super Red'

Also known as Super Red Ludwigia, Ludwigia SR, Ludwigia Mini 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.

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by @reygallardo

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Tanks keeping this 🌿

Growing in 9 tanks

2 public tanks growing Ludwigia Super Red, shown below. 7 more are kept privately and not listed.

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.

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Quick Facts

co2
Recommended
light
High (120–200 PAR for deepest red)
placement
Background
substrate
Aquasoil with iron supplementation
growth rate
Moderate to fast
propagation
Stem cuttings

Water it likes

ph
6.0–7.2
nitrate
<20 ppm
hardness
2–12 dGH
temperature
72–82°F (22–28°C)

Legality

No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.

Stats

Community tips4
Growing in9 tanks