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Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Rubin’ – ADA Tissue Culture
Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Rubin’ is an extraordinary plant known for its stunning deep red to burgundy leaves, adding a vibrant pop of color to any aquarium or aquascape. Its broad, paddle-shaped leaves create a bold presence in the midground or background, making it a fantastic centerpiece plant. Packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, this plant arrives free from pests, algae, and contaminants, ensuring a healthy, ready-to-plant option for hobbyists. Perfect for both beginner and experienced aquascapers, this unique Lagenandra species will thrive in a wide range of water conditions with minimal care.
Detailed Care Guide:
Tank Requirements:
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Lighting: Low to medium lighting is suitable for Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Rubin’. Under moderate light, the plant will display its best coloration, showing deep red and burgundy hues. It can tolerate low light but may develop greener leaves in shaded areas.
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CO2: While not essential, CO2 injection can significantly improve growth rate, leaf size, and color vibrancy. However, Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Rubin’ is a low-demand plant and will grow well in low-tech setups without CO2.
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Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate such as ADA Aqua Soil is recommended, as this plant is a heavy root feeder. If using an inert substrate like sand or gravel, supplement with root tabs to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
- pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
Tissue Culture Preparation and Planting:
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Opening the Tissue Culture Container:
- Open the ADA Tissue Culture container carefully. Tissue culture plants are grown in a sterile, nutrient-rich gel that keeps them healthy during transport.
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Rinsing the Plant:
- Take the plant out of the container and thoroughly rinse it under lukewarm water to remove all traces of the gel. It’s important to rinse well as the gel can cause water quality issues if introduced to the aquarium.
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Dividing the Plant:
- Gently divide the plant into smaller sections or plantlets. ADA Tissue Cultures often contain multiple small plants, which allows you to spread them throughout your tank for a natural look.
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Planting:
- Placement: Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Rubin’ is best placed in the midground to background of an aquascape due to its size and striking foliage. Use aquascaping tweezers to carefully plant the roots into the substrate, making sure not to bury the base (crown) of the plant too deeply, as this can lead to rot.
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Spacing: Ensure you give enough space between plantlets to allow for growth. The broad leaves will need room to spread out as the plant matures.
Growth and Maintenance:
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Growth Rate: Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Rubin’ has a moderate growth rate, though it may grow slowly in low-light setups. With CO2 and nutrient-rich conditions, growth will be faster, and the red coloration will be more intense.
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Trimming: This plant requires minimal trimming. Simply remove any older or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking healthy. The leaves are robust and long-lasting, which makes it ideal for low-maintenance aquascapes.
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Fertilization: As a heavy root feeder, this plant will benefit from a nutrient-rich substrate or regular use of root tabs. Liquid fertilizers, especially those rich in micronutrients such as iron, will help maintain its vibrant coloration.
Special Considerations:
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Hardiness: Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Rubin’ is hardy and adaptable to various water conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of aquarium setups. It is an excellent choice for beginner aquarists due to its low care requirements.
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Initial Melting: Like many species in the Lagenandra and Cryptocoryne families, this plant may experience some melting when first introduced to a new tank. This is normal, and the plant will recover as it adjusts to its new environment.
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Coloration: The red-to-burgundy coloration is more pronounced in medium light conditions. In low light, the plant may shift towards a greener shade, but it will remain healthy as long as nutrients are provided.
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Midground or Background Use: The large leaves and bold color make Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Rubin’ ideal for midground or background placement in an aquascape. It pairs beautifully with bright green plants to create striking color contrast.
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Propagation: The plant propagates through side shoots or runners, which can be separated and replanted once they develop roots.
Challenges:
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Slow Growth in Low Light: While Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Rubin’ can survive in low-light setups, growth will be much slower, and the vibrant red hues may fade. Patience is required for low-light tanks.
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Initial Acclimation Period: The plant may undergo some initial melting or loss of leaves after planting. With stable water parameters, new growth will emerge as the plant adapts.
Summary:
Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Rubin’ is a beautiful addition to any aquarium, with its unique red-to-burgundy leaves providing striking contrast to other plants. It is easy to care for and highly adaptable, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquascapers. Packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, the plant is guaranteed to be free of pests and contaminants, ensuring a healthy start in your aquarium. With moderate lighting and nutrient supplementation, this plant will develop its stunning color and serve as a centerpiece in your aquascape.
Tissue Culture Quick Tips:
- Rinse the plant thoroughly to remove the gel.
- Divide the plant into small sections for planting.
- Plant the roots in nutrient-rich substrate or supplement with root tabs.
- Provide medium light and stable water parameters for best growth and color.
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