Ludwigia Dark Orange

Ludwigia sp. 'Dark Orange'

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

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Care at a glance

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

Overview

An easier route to warm colour than most orange stems. Give it medium to high light and it runs from yellow-green to deep orange, with CO2 and regular liquid fertiliser deepening the shade and speeding growth. Plant a loose group in the midground or background in a nutrient-rich substrate. It grows fast and takes trimming well; replant the tops for a denser stand. Stems are fragile and sudden parameter swings show up as melt, so acclimate slowly and keep the routine steady.

In the wild

A selection that exists only in cultivation. It is traded under Ludwigia inclinata, but Flowgrow treats it as a distinct plant 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 and flood submersed in the wet season.

Good to know

A Ludwigia in the evening primrose family Onagraceae. Its species identity is unresolved: shop tags say Ludwigia inclinata, while Flowgrow files it as Ludwigia sp. 'Atlantis' and doubts the inclinata link. 'Dark Orange' and 'Atlantis' are the same plant under two trade names, and it can grow emersed like the rest of the genus.

Did you know

Despite the Ludwigia inclinata label on most shop tags, the Flowgrow database files this plant as its own selection of probable North American origin, so the honest name is simply Ludwigia sp. 'Dark Orange'.