Ludwigia glandulosa

Also known as Cylindric fruited ludwigia, Cylindricfruit primrose-willow, Ludwigia perennis (trade misnomer)

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Ludwigia glandulosa (Ludwigia glandulosa) — Andreea Filip · CC BY-SA 2.0

Care at a glance

Light: High light
CO2: CO₂ required
Growth rate: Slow
Placement: Background
Type: Stem
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
pH: 5.0–7.0
Hardness: 2–15 dGH
Max height: 15.7 in (40 cm)
Spread: 3.9 in (10 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root + water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Difficult
Origin: Southeastern and central United States (North America)
Family: Onagraceae

Overview

One of the more demanding red stem plants, best treated as a slow-growing background or accent plant in a high-tech tank. It really needs strong light, CO2 injection and a steady supply of micronutrients and iron to hold its deep red color, otherwise it reverts to dull olive-green and drops lower leaves. Plant stems in rich substrate, be patient with its slow growth, and trim and replant tops to bush it out.

In the wild

A North American species from wet ground, ditches and shallow margins across the southeastern and central United States. It grows emersed as a bog plant with green to olive leaves and develops its strongest wine-red, almost purple coloration when grown submersed under intense light.

Good to know

An Onagraceae stem plant whose common name, cylindric fruited ludwigia, refers to its narrow cylindrical seed capsules. It was for a long time sold in the hobby under the wrong name Ludwigia perennis. The leaves turn olive-green in low light but flush deep wine-red, with a reddish underside, when light is strong.

Did you know

Did you know Ludwigia glandulosa was sold under the wrong name, Ludwigia perennis, for years in the aquarium trade, so older plant lists and labels still carry that incorrect identification.