Ludwigia repens
Ludwigia repens
QUICK NOTES:
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Stem
Size: 20 – 50cm in height; 4 – 6cm in width
Position and Usage: Midground to background
Growth rate: Moderate
Lighting: 3/5 – 5/5
Water Conditions: 22 – 28°C
CO2: Recommended but not required
Propagation: Cuttings
Description
Also known as ‘Water Primrose’, Ludwigia repens is an accommodating species well-suited to beginners. Native to North and Central America, it is an especially popular amphibious stem plant that can surpass 50 cm in height, though specimens may take months or even years to reach such a size. With incredibly striking red foliage, this plant makes an excellent midground to background focal point.
L. repens is undemanding and will propagate quickly under favourable conditions. Hobbyists may trim plants as needed but should be aware that trimming may affect an especially bushy type of growth. Intense lighting will encourage deep red foliage colouration, as will appropriate iron, nitrate, and phosphate availability. Lower lighting results in more muted colouration, with leaves displaying a green top and pink underside. This plant prefers relatively soft water with a neutral pH.
