Ludwigia Care Guide

Genus: Ludwigia
Common Names: Ludwigia, Water Primrose
Family: Onagraceae
Popular Species: Ludwigia repens, Ludwigia palustris, Ludwigia arcuata, Ludwigia inclinata
Origin: North, Central, and South America

Ludwigia is a genus of colorful stem plants prized for their vibrant red, orange, and bronze foliage. With a range of growth forms and leaf shapes, Ludwigia is a popular choice in aquascaping—especially for adding rich contrast in midground or background sections. It is a moderately demanding plant that responds well to good lighting and nutrients, and it’s suitable for aquarists with a bit of experience in planted tank care.

Ludwigia refers to a large group of aquatic and semi-aquatic stem plants that thrive when fully submerged. Their colors range from green to bright red depending on the species, light intensity, and nutrient availability. Many Ludwigia species are fast-growing and can be shaped with frequent trimming.

Key Characteristics:

• Growth Form: Vertical stem plant
   
• Color: Green in low light, red/orange/bronze in high light
   
• Leaf Shape: Round, oval, or needle-like depending on species
   
• Placement: Midground or background in aquascapes
   

Ludwigia grows best in soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic water, but it is very adaptable.

• Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
   
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
   
• Hardness: 3 – 12 dGH
   
• KH: 1 – 8 dKH
   
• CO₂: Optional but strongly recommended for vibrant color and compact growth
   

While Ludwigia can grow without CO₂, it will look its best with CO₂ supplementation and stable conditions.

Ludwigia needs moderate to high lighting to develop rich color and strong vertical growth.

• Low Light: Grows slower; remains green or light red
   
• Moderate Light: Grows steadily with reddish tints
   
• High Light: Displays vivid red, orange, or copper tones with dense form
   

Photoperiod: 8–10 hours/day
Recommended: Full-spectrum LED lighting with emphasis on red wavelengths

Higher light intensity helps Ludwigia develop deeper coloration and a more compact, bushy structure.

Ludwigia thrives when provided with a balanced aquascaping environment that includes light, nutrients, and stable CO₂ levels.

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich aquasoil is ideal, but inert gravel or sand can work with root tabs
   
• Tank Size: Suitable for small to large aquariums
   
• Flow: Gentle to moderate water flow helps distribute nutrients and CO₂
   

Ludwigia is a heavy feeder, especially for iron and micronutrients.

• Macronutrients: Nitrates (10–20 ppm), phosphates (1–3 ppm), potassium (10–30 ppm)
   
• Micronutrients: Iron, manganese, and trace elements
   
• Iron (Fe): Essential for red coloration—dose separately 2–3x/week for best results
   

Fertilizer dosing should be regular and consistent, whether through a commercial liquid product or Estimative Index (EI) method.

• Trimming: Cut regularly to prevent legginess and encourage side shoots
   
• Replanting: Healthy tops can be replanted for bushier growth
   
• Cleaning: Remove old or shaded leaves to maintain water quality
   

Ludwigia propagates easily via stem cuttings.

Propagation Steps:

1. Cut a healthy stem around 4–6 inches long.
    
2. Remove lower leaves from the bottom 1–2 nodes.
    
3. Replant the cutting into the substrate, or float until roots develop.
    
4. It will root and grow as a new plant.
    

Frequent trimming and replanting promote fuller, more lush groupings.

• Color Contrast: Provides deep red, bronze, or orange hues for visual interest
   
• Background Fill: Creates depth and structure in aquascapes
   
• Oxygenation: Contributes to oxygen levels, especially under high light
   
• Fry Shelter: Dense foliage offers cover for young fish and shrimp
   
• Algae Control: Fast growth competes with algae for nutrients
   

IssueCauseSolutionFaded or pale colorsLow light or iron deficiencyIncrease light and iron dosingLeggy, sparse growthInfrequent trimming or weak lightTrim regularly and upgrade lightingLeaves melting or droppingShock from transplant or nutrient imbalanceStabilize tank and fertilize consistentlyAlgae on stems or leavesNutrient imbalance or poor flowImprove dosing routine and circulationStunted topsInconsistent CO₂ or lack of micronutrientsEnsure stable CO₂ and dose micros regularly  

Ludwigia is a beautiful, adaptable stem plant that adds vibrant color and structure to freshwater aquariums. Whether used in a nature-style aquascape or a Dutch layout, it thrives when given strong lighting, adequate nutrients, and regular maintenance. With easy propagation and a forgiving growth habit, Ludwigia remains a staple in planted tanks around the world.

• Appearance: Broad, rounded leaves with a red to reddish-green hue.
   
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast.
   
• Lighting Requirement: Moderate to high; develops deeper red in higher light.
   
• CO₂ Requirement: Not essential, but enhances color and growth.
   
• Special Notes: One of the easiest Ludwigia species—ideal for beginners. Tolerates lower light than others. Can be grown emersed or submerged.
   
• Best Use: Midground to background.
   

• Appearance: Smaller leaves than L. repens, with intense red to purplish coloration in high light.
   
• Growth Rate: Fast.
   
• Lighting Requirement: High light for optimal color.
   
• CO₂ Requirement: Strongly recommended.
   
• Special Notes: Can grow more compact and intensely colored than L. repens. Great for tight groupings.
   
• Best Use: Background or red accent focal points.
   

• Appearance: Delicate, narrow, needle-like leaves; golden-orange to red in color.
   
• Growth Rate: Fast.
   
• Lighting Requirement: High.
   
• CO₂ Requirement: Strongly recommended.
   
• Special Notes: Can be tricky to grow in low tech setups. Very striking when grouped. Prone to melting if conditions drop.
   
• Best Use: Background accent, Dutch-style layouts.
   

• Appearance: Large, whorled leaves that transition from green to bright orange, red, or even pinkish.
   
• Growth Rate: Very fast.
   
• Lighting Requirement: Very high.
   
• CO₂ Requirement: Essential.
   
• Special Notes: Demanding plant best suited for high-tech tanks. Needs frequent trimming to avoid overshadowing other plants.
   
• Best Use: Tall background centerpiece in advanced aquascapes.
   

• Appearance: Dark, rich burgundy-purple leaves with a slightly crinkled texture.
   
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.
   
• Lighting Requirement: High.
   
• CO₂ Requirement: Highly recommended.
   
• Special Notes: Needs iron-rich dosing for optimal color. Slower growing but very dramatic.
   
• Best Use: Midground showpiece in red-themed scapes.
   

SpeciesEase of CareColor PotentialLeaf TypeGrowth RateBest UseL. repens★★★★☆Red-GreenBroad OvalModerateMid/BackgroundL. palustris★★★★☆Deep Red/PurpleSmall OvalFastBackgroundL. arcuata★★★☆☆Orange-RedNeedle-LikeFastAccent/BackgroundL. inclinata 'Cuba'★★☆☆☆Bright Orange/RedWhorled/LanceVery FastBackgroundL. glandulosa★★☆☆☆Burgundy/PurpleCrinkled OvalSlowMidground Focus  

Each Ludwigia species brings its own charm to an aquascape, and many aquarists mix several types to create layered contrast and color transitions. Most respond dramatically to high lighting and consistent fertilization.