Description
A stunning aquatic plant that will add vibrant color and texture to your aquarium. Ludwigia repens, also known as Red Rooted Primrose-willow, is a fast-growing submerged aquatic plant native to South America. It features narrow, lanceolate leaves that grow in opposite pairs along reddish stems. The leaves are often reddish-brown at the base and green at the tips, which makes them stand out beautifully against other aquarium plants.
Care Instructions
- Temperature: Ludwigia repens thrives best in temperatures ranging from 72°F to 82°F (22°C – 28°C).
- pH: It prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Lighting: Provide moderate to high light conditions for optimal growth.
- Substrate: Plant the roots in a well-fertilized substrate or let them grow freely over the substrate.
Propagation
Ludwigia repens can easily be propagated through stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting with a few leaves, immerse it in water, and place it near your existing plant. Once roots form, you can transplant it into your aquarium substrate.
Comparison with Ludwigia palustris
While both plants share similarities, they have distinct differences. Ludwigia repens has narrower, lanceolate leaves, and its stems are reddish compared to the broader, oval leaves and green stems of Ludwigia palustris (also known as Creeping Water Primrose). Additionally, Ludwigia repens tends to grow more vigorously submerged than Ludwigia palustris, which thrives as a marginal or floating plant.
Benefits for Your Aquarium
- Oxygenation: Ludwigia repens helps improve water quality by providing oxygen through photosynthesis.
- Shelter and Food: The dense foliage provides shelter for small aquatic life forms, while the plant’s leaves serve as a food source for fish and shrimp.
- Decorative Value: With its vibrant red stems and green tips, Ludwigia repens adds a splash of color to your aquarium, making it an excellent choice for any underwater garden.
We hope you found this information helpful! If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team. Happy aquascaping!
