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Form of Lagenandra meeboldii

Lagenandra meeboldii Red

Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red'

One of 4 forms of Lagenandra meeboldii · See all forms →

Also known as Lagenandra Red, Lagenandra meeboldii 'Rot', Lagenandra meeboldii sp. 'Red'

FreshwaterRhizomeRhizome divisionSide shoots

Lagenandra meeboldii Red (Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red')
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Forms · Lagenandra meeboldii

See all 4 →

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
7.9 in
20 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Midground
Type
Rhizome
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
0–20 dGH
Spread
11.8 in (30 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Araceae
Origin
Selected form of Lagenandra meeboldii, native to south-west India (Karnataka and Kerala)

Overview

Lagenandra meeboldii Red is an easy midground focal plant that you handle like a large, slow crypt.

Did you know

Lagenandra meeboldii Red is loaded with calcium oxalate, like most aroids. That is one reason snails and herbivorous fish leave its tough leaves alone. A close relative even wears the name Lagenandra toxicaria for its poisonous sap.

Caring for Lagenandra meeboldii Red

Plant Lagenandra meeboldii Red in a nutrient-rich substrate with the crown proud of the surface. Burying the rhizome rots it.

Tropica rates its light and CO2 demand low, and the plant does survive that way. In dim light, though, its color drifts toward dusty green. Medium light with iron and CO2 holds the violet-red and widens the rosette faster. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer both help.

Growth is slow, and it takes 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C). Expect melt when it is moved. Propagate it by dividing the rhizome once side shoots appear.

Good to know

Lagenandra meeboldii Red belongs to Lagenandra, a genus that sits beside Cryptocoryne in the family Araceae. It is told apart by its vernation, since new leaves unroll like a scroll with both edges rolled inward. A crypt leaf rolls one edge around the other. The species name honors the German botanist and collector Alfred Meebold. Red is the most widespread of several color selections, and the form names are horticultural, not botanical. Its blades run dusty green through violet to red-violet, often on the same leaf, with pale pink new growth.

In the wild

Lagenandra meeboldii Red is a selected color form of its species. The species grows on shaded, marshy riverbanks in southwest India, in Karnataka and Kerala, at elevations up to about 1200 m. There it usually sits emersed or half-submersed at the waterline. Aquarium stock, including Tropica's line, is nursery grown.

Common questions

Is Lagenandra meeboldii Red a different species from Lagenandra meeboldii?

No. Lagenandra meeboldii Red is a form of Lagenandra meeboldii. It reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm), against 11.8 in (30 cm) for the species.

Does Lagenandra meeboldii Red need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Push the roots into the substrate and keep the rhizome at the surface or just under it, with the growing tip uncovered.

Does Lagenandra meeboldii Red need CO2?

No, but it helps. Lagenandra meeboldii Red can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Lagenandra meeboldii Red need?

Lagenandra meeboldii Red is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does Lagenandra meeboldii Red need root tabs?

They help. Lagenandra meeboldii Red takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Lagenandra meeboldii Red?

Lagenandra meeboldii Red propagates by rhizome division and side shoots. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.

How tall does Lagenandra meeboldii Red grow?

Lagenandra meeboldii Red grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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