Ludwigia sp. 'Pantanal'

Native to the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil, this cultivar of Ludwigia inclinata is one of those plants that stops people mid-scroll when it's growing well. The leaves are broad and softly ruffled, arranged in whorls along the stem, and the coloration can shift from orange and pink at the base to a deep, almost electric red at the tops of healthy stems. It's genuinely unlike most other red plants in the hobby.

Getting there takes work though. You need intense lighting, pressurized CO2 running consistently, and a nutrient regimen that covers both macro and micronutrients without missing a beat. Soft, acidic water brings out the best color, and harder or alkaline conditions tend to push growth toward green.

It grows as a classic stem plant, so plant it in clumps toward the back of the tank and trim the tops regularly, replanting cuttings to keep things dense and full. Propagation is easy once the plant is thriving. Melting, pale leaves, or green coloration are all signs something is off with light or nutrients.

Search for tank journals from competitive aquascapers and you'll see what this plant is truly capable of.