Ludwigia Perennis care guide

Ludwigia Perennis (Ludwigia perennis) — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.

Overview

Ludwigia Perennis (Ludwigia perennis) is an aquatic plant of the family Onagraceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A moderate-growing stem plant with attractive green upper leaves and pinkish undersides. Versatile and relatively easy to maintain, it adds subtle color variation without requiring advanced equipment.

Taxonomy

Family: Onagraceae
Genus: Ludwigia
Scientific name: Ludwigia perennis
Common synonyms: Perennial Ludwigia

Habitat

Ludwigia is a cosmopolitan genus of marsh plants (Onagraceae) that grow in shallow standing water, swamps and ditches across the Americas, Africa and Asia. Many species shift from green emersed growth to vivid red coloration once submersed under bright light. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Asia.

Growth requirements

Lighting: medium
CO2: not required
Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
pH: 6-7.5
GH: 3-12 °dGH
Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
Maximum height: 30 cm
Growth rate: medium
Recommended placement: midground

Placement

A background or midground stem plant. Bright lighting, CO2 and abundant macro and micro nutrients are required to develop and hold the red pigments characteristic of many Ludwigia forms. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the midground under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.

Propagation

Propagated from cuttings: a healthy tip cutting of 8-10 cm is replanted in the substrate and roots within days. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.

Common issues

A switch from intense red to green usually signals a drop in light intensity, iron deficiency or shading by surrounding plants; correcting lighting and macro/micro dosing restores colour.