TankBud

Ludwigia ovalis

Also known as Oval-leaf ludwigia

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Care at a glance

Light
Medium 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
5.0–7.5
Hardness
1–12 dGH
Spread
3.1 in (8 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Onagraceae
Origin
East Asia (China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan)

Overview

Ludwigia ovalis is a midground accent stem of medium difficulty. It is one of the more forgiving Ludwigias.

Did you know

Ludwigia ovalis is one of the few red stem plants that still shows pink in medium-light, low-tech tanks. That makes it a rare bit of color for keepers who do not run CO2.

Caring for Ludwigia ovalis

Plant Ludwigia ovalis one stem at a time in the midground, and give each stem a little space. Its rounded leaves shade the growth below them. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so use root tabs and a liquid fertilizer.

It grows fine without CO2 under medium light. Injected CO2 and stronger light bring out a pink to coppery-red flush, most of all on new growth. Feed iron and trace elements for the best color.

It grows fast, to about 30 cm. Top it and replant the tops to keep it bushy, and the stumps branch into side shoots. Keep the water between 64 and 82°F (18 to 28°C).

Good to know

Ludwigia ovalis is a member of Onagraceae, the evening primrose family. The name ovalis refers to its oval leaves, which are short, rounded and almost egg-shaped. That sets it apart from its narrow-leaved relatives and from most red Ludwigias, which have lance-shaped leaves. It is a true amphibious plant, and its leaf form differs markedly between emersed and submersed growth.

In the wild

Ludwigia ovalis is native to East Asia, across China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. It grows in slow rice paddies, ditches and pond margins. It is a marsh plant that adapts to fully submersed life in the aquarium.

Common questions

Does Ludwigia ovalis 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 ovalis need CO2?

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

How much light does Ludwigia ovalis need?

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

Does Ludwigia ovalis need root tabs?

They help. Ludwigia ovalis 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 ovalis?

Ludwigia ovalis 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 ovalis grow?

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

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