Aquarium plant ludwigia: types, maintenance and care

Ludwig can be found in many home aquariums. This is a pretty plant that adorns the artificial water world, which does not require serious rules of care. There are many varieties of ludvigia, among which it is possible to choose species that are freely floating or rooted in the ground.

The culture belongs to the family of Onagrichovye or Cyprus. Different species can be annual or perennial herbs, sometimes shrubs. The homeland of the plant is tropical and subtropical areas. Its stems can be found in Central and North America, in the humid regions of Asia and Africa. The plant feels comfortable in various reservoirs and in the natural environment can even breed with other crops. Among the various species there are specimens that survive even on land.

The plant received its popularity in the world of aquariums for its elegant appearance. It is characterized by straight stems stretching up to a height of 30-50 cm, and branched shoots with light neat leaves. The leaves have a slightly elongated shape and a light green color. If the plant is in conditions comfortable for it, then the leaves are covered with a red-brown tint. Their size varies depending on the type of ludwig. Flowering is possible above the surface of the reservoir; the plant produces yellow or green flowers with four petals.

In some countries, the crop is used as a feed plant, it can be used in the medical, food and textile industries, but most often ludwig acts as an aquarium plant. She transforms the tank, makes it more noble and well-groomed.In addition, usually specimens well take root in aquariums.

It is worth considering the most famous varieties of ludwig.

• Varifolia. It is a perennial flowering plant native to America. It has long branching stems with lanceolate green leaves, reddish on the inside. Cultivated in an aquarium, it looks like a shrub with numerous shoots. Sometimes the upper part is on the surface of the home reservoir, where the shoots form yellowish flowers.

• Arcuate. This is a perennial marsh plant that can be found in eastern North America. It has thin vertical stems and pairwise pointed leaves of light green with a reddish color. The plant is a shrub with many shoots. Reproduction is possible by dividing the stem or by shoots from the base of the edge.

• Floating. This species has a well-developed root system and stiff, highly branched stems. Pairwise leaves are wide, but narrowed at the edges, the upper part is green, the lower part is covered with a reddish tint. This species grows well, forming fluffy thickets. It can be propagated by dividing the stem or lateral shoots. The plant grows in southern North America.

• Priestovaya. It is considered one of the most beautiful species, especially if it grows on the surface of a water surface. The root system is a lobe of soft roots. Long stems form lateral shoots. The color of the leaves is interesting: on the surface they are green, and under water they lengthen and acquire a golden tint with pinkish streaks.

• Pillow-shaped. It is a compact culture growing in the swamps of Central and South Africa. It has a well-developed root system with many shoots. The leaves are in the shape of an egg, the outer part of the leaf plate has a light green tint, the inner casts a blush. Reproduction occurs vegetatively.

• Creeping. This species has a fibrous rhizome and rounded long stems. Petiole leaves may be oval or rounded, their upper part is dark green, the lower is reddish. When flowering, the plant forms unattractive miniature flowers.

• Swamp. You can find this species in Europe. It is distinguished by the longest and most branched stem. The upper part of the leaf plate has an olive hue, the bottom is a reddish-purple color. It is possible flowering in aquarium conditions.

• Glandulose Peruvian. Sometimes this species is called glandular ludwigia. It is characterized by a thick stem and erect growth. The leaves are narrow, pointed, have a bright pink-red color, which under water slightly loses its saturation.

• "Ruby". This species grows in South America. It refers to ludvigia creeping in shape. The stems are brownish in color, the pointed leaves are painted in reddish hues. Blooming is characterized by the appearance of green-yellow buds.

Not all plants can be planted in a common aquarium. Also, ludvigia should not be planted in containers with certain types of fish. For instance, It is not recommended to grow this culture in an aquarium where fish that like to dig in the ground are found. These include, for example, cichlids. Such fish, with their habit of digging in the ground, can damage the rhizome of ludwig, which will negatively affect the development of algae.

As for other types of herbs, here you should select plants whose conditions are similar to those for ludwig. So, this culture loves bright lighting, and this is not always good for other plants. Besides, It is important to plant herbs in the aquarium that will not grow much and block the light for ludwig. Refuse large-leaved green spaces.

In addition to the decorative function, ludwig has a practical function. For example, it can become a refuge for schools of fry or small fish such as guppies, gourami, and mollies. Some aquarium inhabitants do not mind to enjoy its healthy leaves enriched with vitamins.

When growing ludwig, pay particular attention to the choice of soil. It must be a nutrient substrate, for example, a medium silted variety. Add clay balls to the fresh earth - they will become a kind of fertilizer for the culture. Fine gravel poured into the tank at a level of 3-4 cm is suitable as soil. Do not take pebbles of a large configuration, otherwise the plant will damage its fragile roots.

Prepare the water which has settled for a day with the following indicators: acidity - 6.5-7 pH, hardness - 5-6 dH. There are species that feel comfortable and with greater rigidity. The most favorable temperature indicators are + 22– + 27 degrees, but a temperature in the range of + 16– + 29 degrees is permissible. If the water temperature is too low, then growth is inhibited. Some species can drop leaves or get sick at low rates. Too high a temperature provokes stretching of the stems, which greatly spoils the harmony of the aquarium decorative composition.

Keep the water clean, since ludvigia feels uncomfortable with turbidity of the aquatic environment. In dirty water, growths and sediment may form on the surface of the leaves - this indicates the need to change the water. Standard aquarium care includes a weekly change of 1/3 of the volume of water. And do not forget to get a good filter and aeration systems - these units also ensure the purity of the water in the tank and its enrichment with oxygen.

Daylight hours should be about 12 hours. Install powerful lighting devices, the effect of which will positively affect the development of the culture and prevent its fouling with algae. As an artificial light, choose ordinary incandescent lamps and fluorescent devices. They are used in case of cloudy weather, as well as in situations where sunlight does not enter the aquarium. Of course, there is no substitute for natural lighting, the sun's rays accelerate metabolic processes and improve photosynthesis, but in most cases aquariums are not allowed to be placed in the sun, as this provokes the growth of harmful algae, for example, thread, so artificial lamps cannot be dispensed with in aquariums.

The plant can be fed. A small amount of mineral fertilizer with an iron content will make the colors of the leaves more colorful, vibrant. Under the influence of additional nutrition, some types of leaf plates are covered with a beautiful dark red tint.Plant a plant in lighted areas, otherwise it will quickly wither in the shade.

Reproduction usually does not cause problems. The presented culture is well established at home. For example, you can breed it using the Cherenkov method. To do this, carefully cut the crown of the stem with sharp scissors and plant 8-10 cm long cuttings in the ground. Let this be a sufficiently illuminated area on which the shoot will be firmly rooted and will soon give roots. Some aquarists leave cuttings on the surface of the water, with this method, the shoot also gives roots.

For young samples, you need to choose a high-quality substrate or a special substrate with a set of substances that the germ needs. To grow a lush shrub from a strong stalk, 2-3 leaves are plucked off, in the place of which new shoots appear after a short time. Ludwig transplantation is rather indifferent. The procedure is carried out in case of a change in the aquarium or in order to change the decorative composition. For transplanting, the bush is carefully removed from the ground along with the rhizome. In order for the specimen to take root without problems and quickly adapt to new conditions, when diving from the root, they pinch off the tip.

For more information about the features of ludwig, see the next video.