Ludwigia can be found in many home aquariums. This is a pretty plant that adorns an artificial water world that does not require serious rules of care. There are many varieties of Ludwigi, among which it is possible to choose freely floating or rooted species.
Description
Culture belongs to the ONGRICE or Cylet family. Various species can be annual or perennial herbs, sometimes shrubs. The birthplace plants are tropical and subtropical areas. Its stems can be found in Central and North America, in wet areas of Asia and Africa. The plant feels comfortable in various reservoirs and in a natural environment can even multiply with other cultures. Among various species come across instances that survive even on land.
The plant has received its popularity in the world of aquaries, the plant has received an elegant appearance . They are characterized by straight stems, stretching up to a height of 30-50 cm, and branched shoots with light neat leaves. Leaves have a slightly elongated shape and light green color. If the plant is in comfortable conditions for him, then the leaves are covered with a red-brown tint. Their size varies depending on the type of Ludwigi. Above the surface of the reservoir may bloom, the plant gives yellow or green flowers with four petals.
In some countries, culture is used as a stern plant, It is possible to use in medical, food and textile production, but most often Ludwig is acting as aquarium plant. It transforms the reservoir, makes it more noble and well-groomed. In addition, the specimens are usually perfect in aquariums.
In the world, the aquaries are made even multiplying this culture for sale, however, this process is not distinguished by complexity.
Varieties
It is worth considering the most famous varieties of Ludvigii.
- Varnoliste. This is a perennial flowering plant growing in America. It has long branching stalks with green color leafs, reddisched on the inside. Cultivating in aquarium, it looks like a shrub with numerous shoots. Sometimes the upper part turns out to be on the surface of the home reservoir, where the shoots form yellowish flowers.
The form is resistant to fluctuations in water temperature, optimal limits - + 18- + 28 degrees. Lower indicators lead to a decrease in the leaves and developmental development.
- Arcuate. This is a long-term swamp plant that can be found in the east of North America. It has thin vertical stems and paired pointed leaves of light green with a reddish color. The plant is a shrub with a lot of shoots. It is possible to reproduce the division of the stem or shoots from the base of the edge.
- Floating. This species has a well-developed root system and rigid, strongly branched stems. Parly leaves are wide, but on the edges of the narrowed, the upper part is green, the bottom is covered with a reddish. This species grow well, forming fluffy thickets. It can be reproduced by dividing the stem or side shoots. The plant grows in southern North America.
- RTESK. It is considered one of the most beautiful species, especially if it grows on the surface of the water stroit. The root system is a mumble of soft roots. Long stems form side shoots. The color of the leaves is interesting: they are green on the surface, and under water are lengthened and acquire a golden chill with pinkish streaks.
In the aquarium, the plant looks very beautiful, can bloom over the water with large yellow bootons. The reproduction is carried out in a vegetative way.
- Pillowidal. It is a compact culture growing in the swamps of Central and South Africa. It has a well-developed root system with many shoots. The leaves are presented in the shape of an egg, the outer part of the leaf plate has a light green tint, the inner casting a blush. Reproduction occurs vegetatively.
- Creeping . This species has urine rhizome and rounded long stems. Cherry leaves can be represented by an oval or rounded form, the upper part of them is dark green, lower reddish. With blossom, the plant forms unattractive miniature flowers.
Recommended landing in the central or rear of the aquarium at a water level of not more than 40 cm. Desired temperature limits - + 18- + 28 degrees.
- Swamp. You can meet this species in Europe. It is characterized by the longest and branched stem. The upper part of the sheet plate has an olive shade, lower - reddish-purple color. Flowering in aquarium conditions is not excluded.
In general, the plant is unpretentious, steadfastly withstands the transplant and a sharp change in temperature, but for aquarists does not provide special decorative interest.
- Glandulose Peruvian. Sometimes this kind is called Ludvigia Irony. It is characterized by a thick stem and stretch growth. The leaves are narrow, pointed, have a bright pink-red color, which under water slightly loses its saturation.
This species grows slowly, has high demands on the content at home.
- "Ruby". This species grows in South America. He refers to Ludwigi smoke in shape. Stems have brownish color, pointed leaves are painted in reddish shades. For flowering, the appearance of green-yellow boutons.
For growing, well-prepared conditions of detention are required. If the color starts pale, then we can assume that lighting shortage is possible in the aquarium.
Compatibility
Not all plants can be planted in a common aquarium. And also should not be planted with ludwigia in containers with certain types of fish. For example, It is not recommended to grow this culture in an aquarium where fish are found, which love to rummage in the ground. These include, for example, cichlids. Such fish with their habit of digging in the soil can damage the rhizome of Ludwigi, which will negatively affect the development of algae.
As for other types of herbs, it should be selected by plants here, the conditions of the content of which are similar to the conditions for Ludwigi. So, this culture loves bright lighting, and this is not always good for other plants. Besides, It is important to plant grass in aquarium that will not grow strongly and overlap light for Ludwigi. Refuse large green plantings.
In addition to the decorative function, ludwagia also carries a practical function. For example, it can become a refuge for the ages of fry or small fish, such as Guppie, Guras, Mollyonsia. Some aquarium inhabitants do not mind to enjoy it with the useful leaves enriched with vitamins.
In addition, like other plants, Ludwigia produces enough oxygen into water, so it is suitable for landing in aquarium with almost any kind of fish.
Growing conditions
When growing Ludvigia, special attention is paid to the choice of soil. This should be a nutritious substrate, for example, a medium-average variety. Finish fresh ground with clay balls - they will become a kind of fertilizer for culture. As a soil, small gravel is suitable, fastened to the tank to level 3-4 cm. Do not take a large configuration pebbles, otherwise the plant will damage its fragile roots.
Prepare water outstanding during the day with the following indicators: Acidness - 6.5-7 pH, rigidity - 5-6 DH. There are species that feel comfortable and with greater rigidity. The most favorable temperature indicators - + 22- + 27 degrees, but the temperature is allowed within the boundaries + 16- + 29 degrees. If the water temperature is too low, then growth is slowed down. Some species are able to dump the leaves or hurt at low indicators. Too high temperature provokes stretching stalks, which spoils the harmony of aquarium decorative composition.
Support the purity of water in the container Since Ludwigia does not feel uncomfortable when clouding the aquatic environment. In the dirty water on the surface of the leaves, growths and precipitate can be formed - this indicates the need to change water. Standard aquarium care includes a weekly 1/3 water substitution. And also do not forget to get a good filter and aeration systems - these units also ensure the purity of water in the reservoir and the enrichment of it with oxygen.
Light day should be about 12 hours. Install the powerful lighting devices whose action will have a positive effect on the development of culture and prevents it overweighted by algae. As an artificial lighting, select conventional incandescent lamps and fluorescent devices. They are used in case of cloudy weather, as well as in situations where sunlight does not fall on the aquarium. Of course, natural lighting is not replaced, the sun rays accelerate the metabolic processes and improve photosynthesis, but in most cases the aquariums are not allowed to put in the sun, as it provokes the growth of harmful algae, for example, the filamentons, so without artificial lamps in the aquarium, do not do.
Plant can be fed. A small amount of mineral fertilizer with iron content will make the coloring of the leaves more colorful, bright. Under the influence of additional nutrition, the leaf plates of some species will cover with a beautiful dark red sweat. Space the plant on the lit areas, otherwise in the shade it will quickly wage.
It is not recommended to root the culture in the center of the aquarium, as it will interfere with the pets, but if the owner still planted Ludwigi into the middle, then it should be time it periodically.
Reproduction and transplant
In reproduction, it usually does not arise. The presented culture is good at home. For example, it is possible to breed it with a drawing method. To do this, carefully cut the shark stalk with sharp scissors and plant a length of 8-10 cm in a soil. Let it be a fairly lit plot on which the escape is reliably rooted and will soon give roots. Some aquarists leave cuttings on the surface of the water, while the way the escape also gives roots.
For young samples, you need to choose a high-quality substrate or a special substrate with a set of substances in which sprout needs. For growing a lush shrub from a strong stem, 2-3 sheets are plugged, on the site of which new shoots will seem through a short time. Ludwig is rather indifferent to replanting. The procedure is carried out in case of changing aquarium or in order to change the decorative composition. For transplanting, the bush is neatly removed from the soil along with the root. To make an instance without problems and quickly adapted to new conditions, the tip jerk during the diving from the root.
More information about the features of Ludvigi see the following video.