Ludwigia ovalis 'Sumatra' Care Guide

Ludwigia ovalis 'Sumatra' is an East Asian stem plant (Onagraceae) with rounded leaves that turn pink-orange under strong light; CO2 is optional.

Overview

Ludwigia ovalis 'Sumatra' is a form of Ludwigia ovalis, an aquatic stem plant of the family Onagraceae from East Asia. Submersed it develops roundish to ovate leaves that take on a pink-orange coloration, making it a colourful midground accent.

Taxonomy

Family: Onagraceae
Genus: Ludwigia
Scientific name: Ludwigia ovalis 'Sumatra'
Type: form of L. ovalis

Habitat

Ludwigia ovalis is native to East Asia, including China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu). It is a low-growing stem plant with a slightly slanting habit that forms lateral shoots at the nodes, and its submersed leaves are roundish to ovate and alternate.

Tank requirements

Temperature: 22-28 °C (preferred 22-26 °C)
pH: 5.5-7.0
GH: 2-10 °dGH
Lighting: medium (stronger light improves colour)
CO2: optional but beneficial
Maximum height: about 20 cm
Placement: midground / foreground

Care and growth

Moderate to strong light is enough for a good growth rate. CO2 injection is not strictly required but helps the plant grow faster and more robustly. Coloration intensifies when nitrate and phosphate are limited. The species is rated as medium difficulty.

Propagation

Propagation is by cuttings; the plant regularly forms lateral shoots at the nodes, which can be separated and replanted.