Ludwigia Dark Orange
Ludwigia dark orange is a relatively new and attractive aquarium plant, obtained by breeding. It got its name from the coloring of its underwater leaves, which have shades of red, orange, green and pink.
Ludwigia spec. Dark Orange, depending on light levels, changes the coloration of its leaves, which can be yellow-orange or take on a dark orange color. Light veins can be seen on the leaf plate. The maximum size of the shrub is about 50 cm. The root system is well developed, so that the plant is well kept in the upper part of the soil is not deepened in it. The growth rate is medium, although with strong light and CO2 feeding the growth rate increases significantly.
Like all stem plants to get the best effect, Dark Orange Ludwigia desirable to plant in the aquarium in groups of several bushes on the background or along the side walls of the aquarium. To form a thicker bush, you can cut off the top part of the stem. New side shoots will soon form at the nodes near the cut-off, the cut-off top can be planted in a new location and thus a new plant can be created.
Water parameters: temperature 18 - 28° C, hardness dH 2-15°, pH 5,0-8,0. Needed feeding CO2 at a concentration of 20-30 mg / L. The plant likes clean water, so the presence of a water filter is a must. Necessary weekly replacement of 1/3 of the aquarium water with fresh.
As the soil is preferred to use coarse sand. The soil should be a layer of about 3 cm and be moderately silted. To maintain the attractive yellow-orange color of the leaves, feeding with liquid phosphate and iron fertilizers is desirable.
Lighting is preferably strong intensity from 0.6 W/l. Duration of daylight hours 10-12 hours a day. To stimulate growth, it is desirable to periodically allow direct sunlight to get on the leaves of the plant, but most importantly not to overdo it, otherwise overgrowth algae leaves guaranteed.
Reproduction
Propagated ludwigia dark orange its apical cuttings. To do this, the adult shrub is carefully cut off the apex length of 7-10 cm and planted in the ground with a small stone pressed from above. A little time will pass and the cuttings will take root and begin to grow.
