Propagating Ludwigia brevipes from Cuttings

Ludwigia brevipes is a narrow-leaf stem plant that shifts from green to orange-red depending on light and nitrate. Because it branches freely from lower internodes once the top shoot is removed, cuttings are the only practical way to multiply it. This guide walks through topping a healthy stem, stripping the lower leaves and replanting the top while the cut base sends out side shoots to form a dense, colorful bush. It also covers the lighting, CO2 and fertilization conditions that keep growth compact and well colored, plus trimming cadence and the common pitfalls of transplanting nutrient-deficient red stems.

Overview

Ludwigia brevipes is an easy-to-grow stem plant from the Onagraceae family that suits both soft and hard water. It performs well in the midground and can be pruned into fairly dense bushes. Its color is light- and nitrate-driven: green under low light with high nitrate, shifting toward orange-red under high light with low nitrate.

Propagation Method (Cuttings)

Propagation is done exclusively from stem cuttings. Cutting off the top shoot prompts the plant to branch profusely from the lower internodes, which is how dense, colorful shrubs are created. The detached top is replanted to root and grow as a new stem.

Step-by-Step

Select a healthy stem and cut the top 5-10 cm with clean scissors, ideally just above an internode.
Strip the leaves from the lowest section of the cutting so they will not rot once buried.
Replant the top into nutrient-rich substrate, anchoring it deep enough that it will not float.
Leave the cut base in place; it will branch from the lower internodes into multiple new shoots.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Good lighting and fertilization are needed to grow this plant into good shape and color. CO2 injection produces denser bushes with stronger coloration; in non-CO2 tanks the plant grows thinner, with less branching and weaker color. Sustained low nitrate plus high light pushes leaves toward deep red.

Trimming & Maintenance

Regular topping keeps the group compact and encourages lateral branching, so replanting tops steadily thickens a stand into a bush. Trim before stems shade their own lower leaves to maintain even color down the stem.