Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata "Pantanal"

Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Pantanal' is one of many forms of Ludwigia inclinata, characterised by its finely structured leaves. This variety originates from the Pantanal wetlands in southwestern Brazil.
Its emersed form is quite unspectacular with its green ovate leaves, however, its submersed form is truly beautiful, sporting intensively pink to red leaves.

L. inclinata var. verticillata 'Pantanal' requires quite a few things for healthy growth. It needs lots and lots of light (at least 0.75 watt per litre) and a very high CO2 content (25-30 mg/l). Nitrate and phosphate should be added regularly. Make sure they don't fall below the recommended levels, for NO3 5-15 mg/l and for PO4 1-2 mg/l, as this plant will stop growing altogether if not provided with sufficient nitrate. Iron and micronutrients should also be dosed in ample amounts to guarantee healthy, colourful growth.
If L. inclinata var. verticillata 'Pantanal' does not get sufficient iron, its leaves grow smaller and are less intensively coloured. Extreme deficiency may even lead to white new growth. Like Tonina and Eriocaulons species, L. inclinata var. verticillata 'Pantanal' likes its water on the very soft side (6 dGH or below), and an acidic substrate containing peat, like e.g. ADA Aquasoil.

Under strong light, this colourful stem plant grows vertically, unlike its relative L. inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba'. L. inclinata var. verticillata 'Pantanal' is not such a strong, robust or invasive grower as the larger variety 'Cuba'. However, if growth conditions are optimal, L. inclinata var. verticillata 'Pantanal' also has an impressive growth rate and needs regular trimming.

Even though rarely used in Takashi Amano's Nature Aquaria or in Dutch-style tanks, this Ludwigia variety is highly suitable to create red accents in Tonina tanks.
If you have soft water in your tank, don't hesitate to include this beautiful red plant into your design.