TankBud

Ludwigia Marilia

Ludwigia sp. 'Marilia'

Also known as Ludwigia sp. 'Marília'

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
23.6 in
60 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Stem
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
2.4 in (6 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Onagraceae
Origin
Found near Marília, São Paulo, Brazil

Overview

Ludwigia Marilia is an easy, fast-growing stem plant for the back of the tank. A group of it fills the background quickly.

Did you know

Ludwigia Marilia can put on around 20 cm of stem in a week under good conditions. That takes it to the surface of most tanks in days rather than weeks.

Caring for Ludwigia Marilia

Plant Ludwigia Marilia as a group of single stems along the back glass, in a nutrient-rich substrate. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer both help.

It grows green and healthy under medium light and is not demanding. Stronger light with a full fertilizer routine pushes the shoot tips toward orange and red. It grows without injected CO2, but CO2 adds density and speed. Keep the water between 68 and 82°F (20 to 28°C).

It grows fast, to about 60 cm, so trimming is the main job. Shoots that reach the surface run along it and start throwing floating leaves. Top the stems regularly and replant the cuttings to keep the group bushy and submersed. Side shoots can be cut off and planted on their own.

Good to know

Ludwigia Marilia is a member of Onagraceae, the evening primrose family, and it is still not determined to species. Shops list it as Ludwigia sp. 'Marilia' after the collection site. Submersed shoots carry roundish, stalked, alternate leaves about 3 cm long on soft, light green stems. That alternate arrangement separates it at a glance from the opposite-leaved Ludwigia repens and palustris types it resembles.

In the wild

Ludwigia Marilia was collected near the city of Marília in São Paulo state, Brazil, and the hobby knows it only from that find. Like other South American Ludwigias, it is an amphibious marsh plant. It grows emersed on wet ground and switches to submersed growth when flooded. Trade stock today is farmed, including tissue culture, rather than wild collected.

Common questions

Does Ludwigia Marilia 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 Marilia need CO2?

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

How much light does Ludwigia Marilia need?

Ludwigia Marilia wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does Ludwigia Marilia need root tabs?

They help. Ludwigia Marilia 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 Marilia?

Ludwigia Marilia 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 Marilia grow?

Ludwigia Marilia grows to about 23.6 in (60 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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