Ludwigia inclinita 'Dark Orange' - ADA TC

Ludwigia inclinita 'Dark Orange' ADA TC

Ludwigia inclinata 'Dark Orange' is a vibrant and striking stem plant known for its eye-catching orange and red hues. Its finely serrated leaves and unique coloration make it a favorite among aquascapers looking to add a splash of warm tones to their layout. When grown under ideal conditions, this plant develops intense colors that can range from bright orange to deep red, making it a perfect background or midground addition to highlight your aquascape's layout. Packaged in an ADA Tissue Culture, Ludwigia inclinata 'Dark Orange' is delivered free from pests and algae, ready to thrive in your tank with proper care.

Care Guide for Ludwigia inclinata 'Dark Orange'

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Ludwigia inclinata 'Dark Orange' thrives under high lighting (0.8 to 1.0 watts per liter or more) to achieve its best coloration. Strong lighting encourages the leaves to develop a brilliant dark orange to red color, while lower lighting may result in greener growth.
• CO2: CO2 supplementation is highly recommended to maintain the plant’s intense color and promote healthy growth. This plant will struggle to show its vibrant colors and could grow leggy or stunted without CO2.
• Substrate: It is best to plant Ludwigia inclinata 'Dark Orange' in a nutrient-rich substrate such as ADA Aqua Soil, which helps promote strong root development and growth. Alternatively, root tabs can be used to provide the necessary nutrients if you're using a basic substrate.
• 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:

   • Carefully open the ADA Tissue Culture container, ensuring you do not damage the plantlets.
   • Ludwigia inclinata 'Dark Orange' is grown in a sterile gel medium that must be washed off before planting.

2. Rinsing:

   • Remove the plant from the container and gently rinse the plant under lukewarm water to wash off all the nutrient gel. Make sure all the gel is washed away, as it may affect water quality if left on.

3. Dividing the Plantlets:

   • Separate the plantlets into smaller sections. Tissue culture plants are often dense, so dividing them will help ensure better distribution and faster growth in your tank. You can split them into clusters or individual stems.

4. Planting:

   • Using aquascaping tweezers, carefully plant the stems into your substrate. Ensure the roots are buried while keeping the base of the stem above the substrate to prevent rot.
   • Spacing: Space the plantlets around 1-2 inches apart to allow each one room to grow and spread.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: Ludwigia inclinata 'Dark Orange' has a moderate to fast growth rate when provided with the correct lighting, CO2, and nutrient-rich substrate. Under optimal conditions, it will grow tall and dense.
• Trimming: Regular trimming is essential to maintain the desired bushy shape and prevent the plant from growing too tall and leggy. Frequent trimming also encourages lateral growth, making the plant appear fuller and bushier.
• Fertilization: Regular dosing with a liquid fertilizer containing micronutrients (especially iron) is recommended. This will help maintain the plant’s vibrant colors and ensure consistent, healthy growth.
• Pruning: Prune any yellowing or older leaves to keep the plant looking its best and encourage new, fresh growth.

Special Considerations:

• Color Development: To achieve the best dark orange coloration, high lighting, nutrient-rich conditions, and CO2 are critical. Without these, the plant may lose its orange hues and turn more green.
• Ideal Placement: Ludwigia inclinata 'Dark Orange' is an excellent choice for background or midground placement, depending on the size of your aquarium. Its striking colors create a beautiful contrast with green plants, adding depth to your aquascape.
• Water Flow: Moderate water flow is preferred to ensure the plant gets access to nutrients and CO2. Too strong a flow may damage the delicate leaves, while too little flow can result in poor nutrient distribution.

Propagation:

Ludwigia inclinata 'Dark Orange' is easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Simply trim the top of the plant and replant it into the substrate. The cuttings will develop roots and grow into new plants, allowing you to fill your tank with more vibrant stems.

Summary:

Ludwigia inclinata 'Dark Orange' is a stunning stem plant that brings vivid orange and red tones to your aquascape. Its striking colors make it a favorite for creating contrast and warmth in planted tanks. The ADA Tissue Culture ensures that the plant is delivered to you free from pests, algae, and contaminants, ready to grow in your aquarium. With the right care — high lighting, CO2, and nutrient-rich substrate — this plant will reward you with fast growth and brilliant colors.

Tissue Culture Quick Tips:

• Rinse the plant thoroughly to remove all nutrient gel.
• Separate plantlets into smaller groups for easier planting and faster spread.
• Plant in nutrient-rich substrate with high lighting and CO2 for optimal color and growth.
• Regular trimming and fertilization are essential for maintaining its vibrant, healthy appearance.