Ludwigia repens

Ludwigia Repens Growing & Care Guide

Ludwigia Repens is a stunning and versatile stem plant native to North America, prized for its striking red under-leaves and exceptional ease of growth in community tanks. It serves as an excellent red accent plant for beginners, bringing vibrant contrasting color without demanding extreme water configurations.

Lighting Moderate to High

Water Hardness Aquatic (pH 6.0-7.5)

Substrate Nutrient-rich soil / gravel

Water Temp 15°C - 26°C

Toxicity Pet Friendly (Non-toxic)

Botanical macro photography of Ludwigia Repens (Ludwigia repens) - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Ludwigia Repens

Ludwigia Repens (Ludwigia repens) has key botanical markers. Recognizing these features is crucial for successful aquascaping and thriving growth.

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Visual Shape & Growth: Creeping or vertical reddish stems with opposite, glossy oval green-and-red leaves.
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Leaf Morphology: Teardrop-shaped opposite leaves with olive-green top surfaces and brilliant red to dark-purple undersides.
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Root & Anchoring Structure: Strong, extensive white root network shooting deeply into sand or gravel.

💡 Plant AI Tip: Take a photo with Plant AI to identify aquatic weeds and diagnose fungal spot diseases in 1 second.

Complete Cultivation & Spawning Guide

Follow our detailed scientific water parameters and care guides to keep your Ludwigia Repens thriving.

pH: 6.0 - 7.5, GH: 4 - 15 dGH. Incredibly adaptable, thriving in soft to moderately hard freshwater setups.

Low to moderate. Can grow perfectly fine in low-tech tanks without CO2, but carbon injection yields far larger and redder leaves.

Moderate to high. While it survives under low light, high lighting is critical to develop and maintain its iconic bright red underleaf color.

Cut the stem below a leaf node. Strip the bottom leaves of the cut top and insert it into the substrate. The pruned bottom will sprout new sideshoots.

A heavy iron consumer. Responds dramatically to weekly liquid iron dosing to keep leaves deep red and prevent terminal bud decay.

Thrives in nutrient-rich aquasoil or fine gravel mixed with root tabs. A deep substrate allows its extensive root system to anchor firmly.

Thrives in cool to tropical temperatures between 15°C and 26°C (59°F - 79°F). Highly hardy in temperate ponds.

Enjoys moderate, steady water flow to transport liquid nutrients and keep its broad leaves clear of organic detritus accumulation.

Entirely non-toxic. Its sturdy stems make it resilient against community fish, though large snails may crawl on leaves.

Its fast growth outcompetes algae. Keep phosphate levels balanced to prevent green spot algae on its broader leaf blades.

Best planted in the midground or background in groups of 3 to 5 stems. Space individual stems slightly to allow bottom light.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Ludwigia Leaf Melt

Symptoms: Leaves turn soft, translucent, and dissolve away rapidly.

Action: Often caused by sudden relocation shock or extreme nitrate starvation. Stabilize parameters and dose comprehensive liquid fertilizer.

Staghorn Algae Infestation

Symptoms: Grey, branching thread algae clings to leaf margins.

Action: Caused by organic waste build-up and fluctuating CO2. Spot treat with liquid carbon or hydrogen peroxide, and improve water circulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Ludwigia Repens redder?

Strong light and comprehensive liquid iron dosing are key. Adding CO2 will accelerate growth and increase leaf size, enhancing the red visual impact.

Can Ludwigia repens float?

Yes! Stems can be left floating freely, where they will shoot fine roots into the water column and grow spongy leaves, though they look best anchored in gravel.

Is Ludwigia Repens fast growing?

Yes, it is a very fast-growing stem plant. Under optimal light and nutrients, it can grow several inches a week and requires regular trimming.

Is it safe for shrimp?

Yes, Ludwigia Repens is 100% pet-friendly, non-toxic, and highly favored in shrimp tanks where its broad leaves collect biofilm.