Ludwigia sp. 'Mini Super Red' is the smallest red-leaved species in the Ludwigia genus, a compact stem plant for the midground or background of a planted aquarium. It grows without pressurised CO2, but CO2 injection with medium-strong lighting and regular fertilising brings out the brightest red. Keep it in water between 20-28 Celsius.
Last updated: 22 October 2026
If you’re looking for an impressive red plant for the middle part or background for your aquarium, you should definitely read this article! Let’s say a few words about Ludwigia mini sp. super red!
This plant is the smallest one among red-leaved species of the Ludwigia genus. Its tiny and tender leaves make a very mysterious and decorative atmosphere, especially contrasted with light green plants. It requires water temperature between 20-28 Celsius degrees and pH 5-7,5.
Another advantage is the structure that allows it to stick the plant to the roots, creating a little tree (which is additionally super-red so it’s a great arrangement element).
Planting
Ludwigia should be planted in groups. Single cuttings should be put in the substrate with tweezers with the angle 70 degrees and the distance 2-3cm. As mentioned above, the plant can also be stuck to roots with a fishing line- then you can have a bonsai effect in your tank. A mature plant has about 10-30cm in height and is 2-4cm wide.
Trimming
Trim the plant by cutting off the upper parts at a height of about 5 cm (or depending on the arrangement needs). The cut tops can be re-planted in the substrate. After trimming, the plant sprouts producing new stems with leaves from the cut site.
The specimens grafted onto the roots should be regularly trimmed once every 1-2 weeks to keep them miniature in size.
CO2 injection
The plant can grow well without carbon dioxide injection but with its support becomes more reddish and healthy.
Lighting
It requires medium-low lighting. Together with regular fertilizing with CO2 and micronutrients, it will allow the leaves to develop bright red colour.
Temperature
Ludwigia mini sp. super red should be kept in water between 20-28 Celsius degrees.
There are many red species suitable for planted tanks. In our opinion this one is special, multi-functional in arrangement and definitely eye-catching. By following a few basic rules regarding trimming and general requirements you’ll definitely enjoy a beautiful view caused by red treasure in your aquarium.
Ludwigia mini sp. super red care at a glance
| Care point | What this plant needs |
|---|---|
| Position in the tank | Midground or background, planted in groups |
| Water temperature | Between 20-28 Celsius degrees |
| pH | 5-7,5 |
| Lighting | Medium-low |
| CO2 | Not essential; with CO2 and micronutrient fertilising the leaves turn bright red and the plant stays healthy |
| Mature size | About 10-30cm tall, 2-4cm wide |
| Planting | In groups; single cuttings set with tweezers at an angle of 70 degrees, 2-3cm apart |
| Trimming | Cut the tops back to about 5 cm; the cut tops replant in the substrate |
| Grafted onto roots | Trim every 1-2 weeks to keep it miniature |
Frequently asked questions
Does Ludwigia mini super red need CO2?
No, it grows without carbon dioxide injection, but CO2 makes it noticeably redder and healthier. Without CO2 expect slower growth, longer gaps between the leaves and a duller, more olive-red colour. With CO2, medium-strong light and micronutrients, the small leaves hold a bright red.
How often should you trim Ludwigia mini super red?
Cut the tops off at a height of about 5 cm, or wherever the layout needs, and replant the trimmed tops in the substrate; the cut stem then branches and sends out new shoots. Stems grafted onto wood or roots need trimming every 1-2 weeks to stay miniature.
What water temperature and pH does Ludwigia mini super red need?
Keep it in water between 20-28 Celsius with a pH of 5-7,5 and it will settle in. Stable water matters more than an exact figure: sudden swings, the warm end of that range and thin feeding all show up first as pale or dropped lower leaves.
Is Ludwigia mini super red the same as Ludwigia repens 'Super Red'?
They are sold as different plants. The mini form stays much shorter and keeps smaller, narrower leaves, so it works in the midground where the larger Super Red would soon reach the surface. Trade names in this genus overlap, so go by the grower's label rather than the common name.
Why is my Ludwigia mini super red not turning red?
Red colour here comes from light that is strong enough plus iron and trace fertilising, with CO2 to let the plant use them. Green or olive leaves usually mean light too weak, no carbon dioxide injection, or a thin feeding routine. Fix light and fertilising first, then add CO2 and watch the new growth.
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) — genus Ludwigia
- Tropica plant database (the grower's own care entries)
- Flowgrow aquatic plant database
The post is right that this plant grows without carbon dioxide injection. What CO2 changes is colour and compactness: steady injection lets the plant use the light and the iron you feed it, so the small leaves hold a deep red instead of olive, with shorter gaps between them. A dual-stage regulator with an integrated solenoid shuts the gas off with the lights, and a drop checker shows whether the supply is right — our complete Pro-SE set holds both, and everything else except the cylinder. See the product.
Share:
How To Lower Water Temparature In An Aquarium
The regular water change