Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba'
IntermediateLudwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba'
A large stem plant that forms whorls of narrow, linear leaves tinged red and orange under water. It is a locality form found on Cuba's Isla de la Juventud and is regarded as the easiest of the var. verticillata forms. Light and CO2 transform its colour and density.
About
Ludwigia inclinata 'Cuba' is a locality form of Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata (Onagraceae) found in a marsh on Cuba's Isla de la Juventud and introduced by a Danish aquatic plant nursery, first known as Ludwigia sp. 'Cuba'. It is a wild-collected strain rather than a bred cultivar. Var. verticillata is distinguished under water by very narrow linear leaves arranged in whorls at each node; the Cuba form has slightly marbled leaves tinged red and orange. Emersed it forms oval green leaves and yellow flowers. Other localities of the same variety, such as 'Pantanal', are traded, but the Cuba form is regarded as the most proven and easiest of them. Look for the whorled narrow leaves and stems that rise at an angle. With strong light, CO2 and ample fertiliser including iron it grows fast, branches freely and becomes large; without enough CO2 the leaves are broader, greener and fewer. It dislikes frequent hard pruning, as the rooted lower part may blacken and die, so replant the cut tops. It is sold by specialist aquatic plant shops in Japan, sometimes including plants described as variegated.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Temperature & humidity for the Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba'
The ideal temperature for the Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba' is 24〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Locality form from a marsh on Isla de la Juventud, Cuba
Lifespan
Perennial; maintained indefinitely by replanting cuttings
Size
Large stem plant that reaches the surface and spreads wide
Temperature
24〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Needs CO2 and liquid fertiliser with iron and trace elements
Growing Tips
Lighting
Needs strong light; in weak light it stays pale and loses lower leaves.
CO2 & Fertilizer
CO2 is practically essential. New growth turns white when iron or trace elements run short, so supply liquid fertiliser.
Water Temperature & Quality
Optimum 24–28°C in soft (KH 0–8°dKH), slightly acidic water at pH 4.5–7.
Substrate & Attachment
Plant in a nutrient-rich substrate and give it room in the mid- or background, as it grows large.
Trimming & Propagation
Propagate by replanting tops. Cut-back bases tend to blacken and die, so renew the group by replanting cuttings.
Cautions
Other localities and plants sold as variegated circulate under similar names, so check the name and photos. Never release plants into the wild.
Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba'?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba'?
The ideal temperature for Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba' is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow should I water and fertilize Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba'?
Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba': watering & fertilizer — Needs CO2 and liquid fertiliser with iron and trace elements. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba'?
The price of Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata 'Cuba' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act, imports of any Ludwigia plant need a species-name certificate, but growing and selling within Japan is not restricted. Ludwigia grandiflora (a Specified Invasive Alien Species) is a different species. No Ludwigia variety is registered in Japan's plant variety protection database (as of September 2026). Never dump aquatic plants into rivers, ponds or ditches, or flush them away with tank water. Drain unwanted plants and trimmings and dispose of them as household waste.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act) / MAFF plant variety registration database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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