Ludwigia repens
Scientific name: Ludwigia repens
Family: Onagraceae
Maximum size reached under cultivation: 20 - 40 cm (7.87 - 15.75 inch)
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Recommended pH range: 6.4 - 7.8
Recommended water hardness: 4 - 18°dGH (71.43 - 321.43ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature range: 15 - 28 °C (59 - 82.4°F)
Preferred propagation method: Cuttings
Native to: Central America
Growth rate: Fast
Recommended substrate: Fine gravel
Lighting requirements: Bright
Ideal placement in tank: Background
Common Names
Red Leaf Ludwigia, Red Repens
Origin
Central America and southern parts of North America, including Mexico and the southern United States. Ludwigia repens naturally grows along riverbanks, in marshes, and in shallow, slow-moving freshwater bodies.
Propagation
Ludwigia repens is easily propagated by cuttings. Take healthy stem cuttings from the top or lateral shoots, remove the bottom leaves, and insert the bare stem gently into the substrate. Roots typically form quickly. Planting several cuttings together in a small group enhances bushy growth. After trimming, the mother plant will often produce new side shoots, becoming denser over time.
Difficulty
Medium
Short Description
Ludwigia repens is a beautiful, fast-growing aquatic plant that thrives when fully submerged but can also grow in emersed or semi-aquatic conditions. It is ideal for the background of freshwater aquariums and responds well to trimming. Under bright lighting, the leaves develop a rich red coloration. In lower light, leaves may turn green or fall off, indicating the need for more light. This plant also benefits from supplemental CO2 and nutrients, especially iron, to maintain its vibrant colors and strong growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Why is my Ludwigia repens turning green instead of red?
This usually happens due to insufficient lighting. Ludwigia repens requires bright light to develop its signature red coloration. Increasing the intensity or duration of your lighting can help restore the red pigment.
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Can Ludwigia repens grow without CO2 supplementation?
Yes, it can grow without CO2, but it will likely grow slower and show less intense coloration. For lush, vibrant growth, a CO2 system is recommended.
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How often should I trim Ludwigia repens?
You can trim Ludwigia repens weekly or biweekly, depending on how fast it grows in your setup. Frequent trimming encourages bushier growth and helps maintain the desired shape and density.
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Is Ludwigia repens suitable for beginners?
Yes, it's considered a good plant for beginner to intermediate aquarists. It’s hardy and adaptable, but requires bright light to thrive and maintain its red coloration.
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Can Ludwigia repens be grown emersed?
Yes, it can be grown emersed in humid conditions such as paludariums or shallow setups. In emersed form, it tends to be greener and may produce small yellow flowers.
Picture
Provided by Oliver.