Ludwigia ovalis 'Pink' Care Guide
Ludwigia ovalis 'Pink' is a low-growing stem plant from East Asia with rounded ovate leaves that turn pink-orange under strong light.
Overview
Ludwigia ovalis is a low-growing stem plant native to East Asia. The 'Pink' selection develops rounded to ovate leaves that take on a pink-orange tone under intense light. Unlike most cultivated Ludwigia species, which carry opposite leaves, L. ovalis bears alternate leaves (one per node). In its natural habitat it grows in cooler waters or on very moist soil, with a creeping growth habit.
Taxonomy
- Family: Onagraceae
- Genus: Ludwigia
- Scientific name: Ludwigia ovalis 'Pink'
Habitat
The species occurs across East Asia, including China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan (Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu). It is found in cooler waters and on very wet to moist soil, where it spreads with a creeping habit. The plant can grow emersed as well as submerged.
Growth requirements
- Light: high (medium to high reported)
- CO2: beneficial, around 25-40 mg/l reported; not strictly mandatory
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Growth rate: medium
- Maximum height: about 35 cm
Placement
The low, creeping stems suit the midground and foreground of an aquarium. The pink-orange coloration contrasts well with light green background plants. Intense leaf color is favored by strong lighting and by limiting nitrate and phosphate.
Propagation
Ludwigia ovalis is propagated by cuttings taken from lateral or top shoots, which are replanted into the substrate where they form roots.