TankBud

Ludwigia brevipes

Also known as Narrow-leaf Ludwigia, Ludwigia sp. 'Brevipes', Long Beach Seedbox

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Ludwigia brevipes (Ludwigia brevipes)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
64–82°F
18–28°C
Max height
11.8 in
30 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Midground
Type
Stem
pH
5.0–7.0
Hardness
2–16 dGH
Spread
2 in (5 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Onagraceae
Origin
Southeastern United States

Overview

Ludwigia brevipes is an easy stem plant with narrow leaves. In the midground its fine texture reads differently from the broad-leaved Ludwigias.

Did you know

Ludwigia brevipes is a genuine species, not a trade hybrid. Its slim, willow-like leaves set it apart from the more common Ludwigia repens.

Caring for Ludwigia brevipes

Plant Ludwigia brevipes one stem at a time, with the lower leaves stripped and a little space between stems. It takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves, so pair root tabs or a rich substrate with a liquid fertilizer.

It needs strong light more than anything else for compact, colorful growth. It grows without injected CO2, but added CO2 speeds it up and gives denser bushes. The color follows light and nitrate. Raise the light and keep nitrate low, and the tops turn from green to orange-red.

It grows fast, to about 30 cm, so expect to trim it often. Replant the cut tops, which root in one to two weeks, and the stump left behind sends out side shoots. In weak light the stems stretch and drop their lower leaves. It does well from 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C).

Good to know

Ludwigia brevipes belongs to Onagraceae, the primrose-willow family. Shops also sell it as narrow-leaf Ludwigia or Ludwigia sp. 'Brevipes', and it goes by Long Beach seedbox too. It grows both submersed and emersed.

In the wild

Ludwigia brevipes is native to the southeastern United States. It grows in boggy areas along the Atlantic coastal plain, from Virginia through the Carolinas and into Florida. Since it grows there in its native range, it is not considered invasive.

Common questions

Does Ludwigia brevipes need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.

Does Ludwigia brevipes need CO2?

No, but it helps. Ludwigia brevipes can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Ludwigia brevipes need?

Ludwigia brevipes needs high light from a strong planted-tank LED. In weaker light its stems stretch and drop their lower leaves.

Does Ludwigia brevipes need root tabs?

They help. Ludwigia brevipes takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Ludwigia brevipes?

Ludwigia brevipes propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.

How tall does Ludwigia brevipes grow?

Ludwigia brevipes grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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