Murdannia red

Murdannia red, European trade name Murdannia sp. Red. First used as an aquarium plant in Japan, where it is sold under the different name Murdannia sp. pantanal. Supposedly comes from a large swampy region in South America known as the Pantanal. However, the natural habitat is still unknown, as well as the belonging of this plant to the genus Murdannia.

Under water, the plant forms a thin (about 2.5 mm in diameter) high stem of light green or reddish color. The leaves are arranged irregularly, one on each whorl, have a narrow-lanceolate shape (length up to 9 cm, width up to 1.2 cm) with wavy edges. The color varies from greenish yellow to reddish brown. The leaf blade appears translucent with a reticulate pattern of dark veins.

In the surface position, Murdannia red is not so remarkable. The stem is short, creeping, and the leaves turn green, acquiring an oval shape.

Optimal growth conditions are achieved in warm, very soft and acidic water with high light levels. As a substrate, it is desirable to use a special aquarium soil rich in trace elements.

Propagation occurs by cutting the stem. The separated fragment is planted in the ground. Soon it will give roots and become a new plant.