Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red'

History and origins 

The fascinating Lagenandra meeboldii “Red” is the red colour form of the species named after the discoverer, Alfred Karl Meebold. In the wild it can be found in Southwest India growing on banks next to streams and occasionally underwater in loamy soil. Lagenandra is closely related to the Cryptocoryne genus but there are distinct differences such as Lagenandra not forming runners like Cryptocoryne. Both the “Red” and “Green” forms of the species were collected from the Hassan district in India by Josef Bogner where they were developed in the Botanical Gardens, Munich.

Plant Overview 

Lagenandra meeboldii “Red” is an Easy category that’s supplied in pots from Tropica. It’s a slow growing rhizome plant that will typically grow up to 15cm tall with the leaves reaching up to 8cm wide. The leaf colour starts as a dusty green colour when grown hydroponically in the Tropica greenhouses and turns different shades depending on the growing conditions in the aquarium. Generally speaking more intense light will promote more red colouration in the leaves.

Preparing the plant - Potted 

1. Remove the plant from the pot then split apart the two halves of rock wool
2. Remove as much of the rock wool as possible.
3. Split the plant into several portions
4. Plant into your substrate with aquascaping tweezers.

Where to use the plant

Lagenandra meedboldii “Red” is best used as a midground plant in most size aquariums or a focal point plant in smaller tanks. Depending on the aquarium lighting levels the plant can make a distinctive feature with its colouration, so this can be used to either contrast or harmonise with other plant species, depending on the style of aquascape. Its leaf growth pattern can cause shadowing around the plant so consider this with any species you intend to use next to it. Because it does not send out runners you can rest assured it will remain in the same location, which makes it ideal for the long-term in your aquarium.

Maintaining the plant

Lagenandra meeboldii “Red” is a slow grower and easy plant making it suitable for almost all aquariums. It has a large root structure and will benefit from a nutrient-rich substrate such as Tropica Aquarium Soil or Tropica Plant Growth Substrate with Nutrition Capsules that can target-feed the roots. It will grow in a wide range of aquarium water parameters but CO2 injection and strong lighting will give the best colours and most robust growth. Feed the plant leaves regularly with liquid fertilisers such as Tropica Premium or Specialised Nutrition.

Summary 

Lagenandra meeboldii “Red” is a wonderful plant suitable for all levels of planted aquarium keepers and aquarium sizes. It’s easy to care for nature combined with unique colouration make it a perfect addition for those wanting to try something a little different from the ever popular Cryptocoryne genus.