Lagenandra Meeboldii 'Red'

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Red Lagenandra

Synonyms

Lagenandra meeboldii 'Pink' (misapplied)

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

India (Karnataka, Kerala)

Habitat

Shaded, marshy stream and riverbanks in south-west India, growing emersed or half-submerged in loamy soil at elevations up to about 1200 m

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rhizome

Max height

4 – 12 in (10 – 30 cm)

Spread

12 in (30 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Midground

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.5

GH

0 – 20 dGH

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

Medium

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Green, Red, Purple, Pink

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Broad rosettes reach roughly 4 to 12 inches, with lance-shaped leaves shifting from dusty green to violet-red depending on light intensity, and new growth unfurling pale pink before darkening. Like a large crypt, it grows slowly from an unbranching rhizome that should sit crown-up in nutrient-rich substrate. Expect occasional melt after planting, with recovery in a few weeks if left undisturbed.

Care

This aroid behaves like an oversized, slow-growing crypt and is handled the same way: plant the rhizome with the crown sitting proud of the substrate rather than buried, since covering it invites rot. It tolerates a wide range of light levels, drifting toward dusty green in low light and developing deeper violet-red tones under medium to strong lighting. Because it does not send out runners like Cryptocoryne, once established it stays put in the same spot for years, making it a reliable long-term midground or focal specimen.

Planting & trimming

Split potted specimens apart, remove as much rock wool or packing material as possible from the roots, and anchor the rhizome in substrate with the crown exposed above the surface. It suits solitary placement or a loose small group in the midground, and its broad leaf canopy can shade neighbouring low plants, so leave clearance around it. It also grows well emersed in paludariums and vivariums, where it can flower with a distinctive pink and felty spathe.

Fertilizing

Root feeding matters more than water column dosing for this plant, so push root tabs into a nutrient-rich substrate near the base to support its substantial root mass. A weekly all-in-one liquid fertilizer with iron helps sustain leaf colour and rosette growth, and CO2 injection, while optional, noticeably speeds growth and intensifies the red-violet hues. Yellowing leaves, holes, or stalled growth are usually signs of a nutrient shortfall rather than disease.

Propagation

Propagate by dividing the creeping rhizome into sections a few centimetres long, each with some roots and at least one growing point, then replant separately. Side shoots often form naturally on the rhizome and can simply be cut away once they have their own roots. Division is best done during routine maintenance rather than while the plant is actively pushing new leaves, to reduce transplant shock.

Problems

Melt is common after planting, transplanting, or a large water change, with leaves dropping while the rhizome and roots remain viable; new growth typically returns within a few weeks if the base is left undisturbed. Algae on the older, slow-growing leaves is the most frequent complaint and usually points to excess light relative to available nutrients or weak flow rather than a problem with the plant itself. Adjusting photoperiod, adding fertilizer, and improving circulation generally resolves it.

Sources

1. Lagenandra meeboldii Red care: light, CO2 and placement · TankBud
2. Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red' - Tropica Aquarium Plants
3. Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red' | Aquasabi - Aquascaping Shop
4. Lagenandra Meeboldii Red Care Guide | Melbourne Tropical

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