{"product_id":"ludwigia-cuba","title":"Ludwigia Cuba","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Ludwigia Cuba\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLudwigia Cuba is a striking red stem plant prized for its vibrant red, orange, and bronze foliage and compact growth habit. It is an excellent choice for aquascapers looking to introduce strong colour contrast into a planted aquarium without relying on extremely delicate plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder good lighting, Ludwigia Cuba can develop rich red and copper tones, with the newest growth often displaying particularly intense colour. Its broad leaves and upright stems create excellent visual contrast against fine-leaved plants such as Rotala and grass-like foreground plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLudwigia Cuba performs best with \u003cstrong\u003emoderate to high lighting, consistent CO₂, and good nutrient availability\u003c\/strong\u003e. While it can survive in lower-tech aquariums, stronger lighting and stable CO₂ will generally produce more compact growth and significantly better colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular trimming encourages branching and allows the plant to develop into a dense bush. Healthy cuttings can easily be replanted into the substrate, making it simple to propagate and expand throughout an aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its rich red colouration and relatively straightforward care compared with some more demanding red stem plants, Ludwigia Cuba is an excellent choice for creating a dramatic midground or background feature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eLudwigia\u003c\/em\u003e sp. 'Cuba'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ludwigia Cuba\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stem Plant\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to Fast\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to High\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCO₂ Required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Recommended\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–28°C\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to Moderately Hard\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midground to Background\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nature aquariums, Dutch aquascapes, high-tech planted tanks, and freshwater community aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Ludwigia Cuba require CO₂?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can survive without CO₂, but supplementation is strongly recommended for faster growth, stronger stems, and more vibrant red colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I get Ludwigia Cuba to turn red?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong lighting, stable CO₂, and balanced fertilisation are the main factors. Good nutrient availability, particularly micronutrients, also supports healthy colour development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I propagate Ludwigia Cuba?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut healthy stems above a leaf node and replant the top portion directly into the substrate. The remaining stem can produce new side shoots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Ludwigia Cuba suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is relatively forgiving compared with some demanding red plants, but intermediate aquarists will generally have an easier time achieving its best colour and compact growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow often should Ludwigia Cuba be trimmed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrim when the stems become too tall or begin shading lower growth. Regular trimming encourages branching and creates a fuller group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInsufficient lighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLow light can result in greener foliage, elongated stems, and weaker colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnstable CO₂\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFluctuating CO₂ can slow growth and contribute to algae problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting stems too closely\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAllow space between stems so light can reach the lower leaves and water can circulate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePoor nutrient availability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRegular fertilisation helps maintain healthy new growth and strong colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeglecting trimming\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUntrimmed stems can become tall and sparse. Regular pruning produces a denser and more attractive bush.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48856340693131,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/ludwigiacuba_5000x_a279c0c0-5d1a-44de-9e32-95f39eb5a15e.webp?v=1786334687","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/ludwigia-cuba","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}