Ludwigia sphaerocarpa - ADA TC

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa – ADA Tissue Culture

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa is a beautiful stem plant that offers vibrant green to reddish hues in your aquascape, especially when grown in optimal conditions. Known for its rounded leaves and its ability to change color based on nutrient levels, lighting, and CO2, it is a versatile plant that works well in both midground and background placements. Packaged in an ADA Tissue Culture, Ludwigia sphaerocarpa is delivered pest-free, algae-free, and ready to enhance your aquarium or aquascape layout.

Detailed Care Guide:

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Moderate to high lighting is required for optimal growth and color development. Under strong lighting, Ludwigia sphaerocarpa tends to take on more intense red hues, while in moderate lighting, the leaves remain more green. Strong lighting encourages compact, lush growth.

• CO2: CO2 supplementation is recommended for vibrant growth and color, especially if you want to bring out the plant’s red tones. Although Ludwigia sphaerocarpa can survive without added CO2, it may not show its full potential in terms of color and density.

• Substrate: Ludwigia sphaerocarpa thrives in a nutrient-rich substrate like ADA Aqua Soil, which supports strong root development and encourages the plant to grow healthy and vibrant leaves. A good substrate helps prevent nutrient deficiencies that could stunt growth.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2 – 12 dGH)

Tissue Culture Preparation and Planting:

1. Opening the Tissue Culture Container:

   • Carefully open the ADA Tissue Culture container to reveal the healthy Ludwigia sphaerocarpa plantlets inside. Tissue culture plants are grown in a sterile gel that needs to be removed before planting.

2. Rinsing the Plant:

   • Gently remove the plantlets from the container and rinse off the gel under lukewarm water. Make sure to wash off all traces of the gel, as it could affect the water quality if left on the plants.

3. Dividing the Plantlets:

   • Tissue cultures often contain multiple small plants. You can divide the plant into smaller clusters or individual stems to spread them more evenly across your aquarium. Separating the plantlets ensures faster coverage and growth.

4. Planting:

   • Using tweezers, gently plant the Ludwigia sphaerocarpa stems into your substrate. Make sure to bury the roots while keeping the base of the stems above the substrate to avoid rot.
   • Spacing: Space each plantlet about 1 to 2 inches apart to give it enough room to grow and spread.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: Ludwigia sphaerocarpa has a moderate to fast growth rate under optimal conditions. Strong lighting and nutrient-rich environments will boost its growth and allow it to spread more quickly in your tank.

• Trimming: Regular trimming is necessary to maintain a compact shape. Trim the top stems to encourage bushier growth and to prevent the plant from becoming leggy. You can replant the trimmed stems to propagate new plants.

• Fertilization: This plant benefits greatly from liquid fertilizers with micronutrients such as iron. Regularly dosing fertilizers will help maintain vibrant coloration and prevent nutrient deficiencies that can affect leaf health.

• Pruning: Pruning back older or damaged leaves can also help maintain the health of the plant. Removing any yellowing or decaying leaves encourages new growth and helps the plant maintain its vibrant appearance.

Special Considerations:

• Color Development: To bring out the best colors, including the red hues, ensure you provide high lighting and CO2. Without sufficient light and nutrients, the plant will remain mostly green and grow more sparsely.

• Ideal Placement: Ludwigia sphaerocarpa works best as a midground or background plant in your aquascape. Its rounded leaves offer a contrasting texture to finer or spikier plants, and its coloration provides a striking visual.

Propagation:

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa is easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Simply trim the top parts of the plant and replant them into the substrate. The trimmed portions will develop roots and continue growing, spreading throughout the aquarium.

Summary:

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa is a versatile and attractive stem plant that provides excellent color contrast and texture in your aquarium. Packaged in an ADA Tissue Culture, this plant is sterile and free from pests, algae, or contaminants, ensuring a clean and healthy addition to your aquascape. Its beautiful green to reddish hues and rounded leaves make it a great choice for both midground and background placements in aquascapes, with the potential to grow quickly and thrive under the right conditions.

Tissue Culture Quick Tips:

• Rinse the plant thoroughly to remove all the gel.
• Divide into smaller clusters for easier planting and faster spread.
• Plant in nutrient-rich substrate with moderate to high lighting and CO2 for optimal growth and vibrant colors.
• Regular trimming encourages bushy growth and healthier plants.