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Form of Ludwigia inclinata

Ludwigia Pantanal

Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Pantanal'

One of 4 forms of Ludwigia inclinata · See all forms →

Also known as Ludwigia inclinata 'Pantanal', Pantanal, Red Pantanal

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Ludwigia Pantanal (Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Pantanal')
Bjoern.Traeger · CC BY-SA 4.0

Forms · Ludwigia inclinata

See all 4 →

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ required
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
15.7 in
40 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Stem
pH
4.5–7.0
Hardness
0–8 dGH
Spread
3.1 in (8 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Difficult
Family
Onagraceae
Origin
Pantanal wetlands, southwestern Brazil

Overview

Ludwigia Pantanal is one of the most demanding stem plants in the hobby. It belongs in the background of a high-tech tank.

Did you know

Ludwigia Pantanal flushes an intense magenta to red under water. Grown emersed above the waterline, it produces small, bright yellow flowers instead.

Caring for Ludwigia Pantanal

Plant Ludwigia Pantanal one stem at a time in the background. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so dose nitrate, phosphate, potassium and especially iron steadily, with root tabs near the roots.

It needs high light, pressurized CO2 and soft, acidic water, ideally under 3 dKH. Keep the water between 72 and 82°F (22 to 28°C), with a pH of 4.5 to 7. Under strong light its narrow, whorled leaves turn deep pink to blood red.

When it is happy it grows several centimeters a day, up to about 40 cm. Prune the tops and replant them as it grows, and the stumps left behind push out side shoots.

Iron shortage shows up fast as pale or white new growth and shrinking leaves. It tends to either boom or bust, so keep conditions stable.

Good to know

Ludwigia Pantanal belongs to Onagraceae, the evening primrose family. The name verticillata refers to its whorled leaves, which radiate around the stem in rings rather than in opposite pairs. It is a named locality form of Ludwigia inclinata, not a separate species, and close kin to the 'Cuba' variety.

In the wild

Ludwigia Pantanal was collected in the Pantanal wetlands of southwestern Brazil, one of the largest tropical wetland systems in the world. It grows there in shallow, soft, acidic water, and its emersed form can creep along wet mud.

Common questions

Is Ludwigia Pantanal a different species from Ludwigia inclinata?

No. Ludwigia Pantanal is a form of Ludwigia inclinata. It reaches about 15.7 in (40 cm), against 19.7 in (50 cm) for the species. It also differs in hardness, placement and temperature.

Does Ludwigia Pantanal 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 Pantanal need CO2?

Yes. Ludwigia Pantanal needs injected CO2 to grow well, and it usually struggles without it.

How much light does Ludwigia Pantanal need?

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

Does Ludwigia Pantanal need root tabs?

They help. Ludwigia Pantanal 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 Pantanal?

Ludwigia Pantanal 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 Pantanal grow?

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

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