TankBud

Ludwigia Dark Orange

Ludwigia sp. 'Dark Orange'

Also known as Ludwigia sp. Atlantis, Ludwigia inclinata Dark Orange, Ludwigia Atlantis

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Ludwigia Dark Orange (Ludwigia sp. 'Dark Orange')
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
15.7 in
40 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Stem
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
3–12 dGH
Spread
2 in (5 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Onagraceae
Origin
Cultivated selection; wild type probably North American

Overview

Ludwigia Dark Orange is an easy stem plant for the background. It is an easier route to warm color than most orange stems.

Did you know

Most shop tags call Ludwigia Dark Orange by the name Ludwigia inclinata, but the Flowgrow database doubts that link. Flowgrow files it as a selection of its own, so the honest name is simply Ludwigia sp. 'Dark Orange'.

Caring for Ludwigia Dark Orange

Plant Ludwigia Dark Orange as a loose group in the background, in a nutrient-rich substrate. It feeds through both its roots and its leaves, so root tabs near the roots and regular liquid fertilizer cover it.

It needs high light, and under it the color runs from yellow-green to deep orange. It grows without injected CO2, but CO2 and steady liquid fertilizer deepen the shade and speed growth. Keep the water between 72 and 82°F (22 to 28°C).

It grows fast, to about 40 cm, and takes trimming well. Replant the cut tops for a denser stand, and let the stumps push out side shoots. In weaker light the stems stretch and drop their lower leaves.

Its stems are fragile, and sudden swings in water parameters show up as melt. Acclimate new stems slowly and keep your routine steady.

Good to know

Ludwigia Dark Orange is a Ludwigia in the evening primrose family, Onagraceae. Its species identity is still unresolved. The names 'Dark Orange' and 'Atlantis' are two trade names for the same plant. Like the rest of the genus, it can grow emersed.

In the wild

Ludwigia Dark Orange exists only in cultivation. It was selected from cultivated stock whose wild type is probably North American. Its likely relatives are amphibious marsh plants that spend much of the year emersed on muddy shores. In the wet season they flood and grow submersed.

Common questions

Does Ludwigia Dark Orange need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.

Does Ludwigia Dark Orange need CO2?

No, but it helps. Ludwigia Dark Orange can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Ludwigia Dark Orange need?

Ludwigia Dark Orange needs high light from a strong planted-tank LED. In weaker light its stems stretch and drop their lower leaves.

Does Ludwigia Dark Orange need root tabs?

They help. Ludwigia Dark Orange takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Ludwigia Dark Orange?

Ludwigia Dark Orange propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.

How tall does Ludwigia Dark Orange grow?

Ludwigia Dark Orange grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

Related plants