Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red'

This relative of the Cryptocorynes has been in cultivation as a marsh plant for paludariums for a long time. It only became better known as an aquarium plant about 10 years ago. Lagenandra meeboldii originates from south-west India and colonises the swampy banks of shady streams there. It can grow both emersed and submerged. This Lagenandra species is very variable, with different forms. The form Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red' looks similar to a medium-sized, broad-leaved Cryptocoryne.

Leaf structure and colouring of the submerged leaves

The colours of the leaves vary from olive green to light purple to reddish purple and this often in one leaf. The coarse, ovate, slightly heart-shaped leaves show variable colouring from olive green, orange-brown, light purple to reddish purple, often in the same leaf. Newly emerging leaves are light pink. The usually 6 - 12 cm long, 4 - 8 cm wide leaf blades can grow to a maximum of 15 cm long, with a stem up to 20 cm long. The plant grows relatively slowly under water, hardly getting higher than 10 cm for a long time, but has a spreading habit. Under good conditions, the leaf rosette reaches about 30 cm in height over time. Unlike cryptocorynes, this aroid does not form underground runners, but a creeping rhizome up to about 8 mm thick.

This Lagenandra is not a distinctly low-light plant like many Cryptocorynes, but should be at least moderately lit and have a free location. Plenty of light promotes the colouring of the leaves. The plant is a root feeder and grateful for a nutrient-rich substrate, as well as for CO₂ addition. It also grows well at medium carbonate hardness. The most favourable temperatures for this tropical plant are between about 22 and 28 °C. For propagation, the rhizome can be cut into pieces a few centimetres long. Sometimes side shoots develop on the rhizome by themselves, which can be cut off.

Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red' works best as a solitary or small, loose group in the aquarium middle ground. As a younger plant, it can also be planted in the foreground. It is also very decorative as an emerse plant in paludariums, where you can also count on its striking inflorescences. These have a whitish outside, pinkish and felty spathe inside.