Ludwigia ovalis

Care at a glance

Overview

One of the more forgiving Ludwigia and a good midground accent. It grows fine without CO2 under medium light, though injection and strong light bring out a pink to coppery-red flush, especially on new growth. Feed iron and trace elements for the best color. Top and replant to keep it bushy, and give it a little space because the rounded leaves shade lower growth.

In the wild

Native to East Asia, where it grows in slow rice paddies, ditches and pond margins across China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. It is a marsh plant that adapts to fully submersed life in the aquarium. Unlike most red Ludwigia it has short, rounded, almost egg-shaped leaves rather than lance-shaped ones.

Good to know

A member of the Onagraceae, the evening primrose family. The species epithet 'ovalis' refers to the oval leaf shape that sets it apart from its narrow-leaved relatives. It is a true amphibious plant, growing well both emersed and submersed, and the leaf form differs markedly between the two.

Did you know

Did you know Ludwigia ovalis is one of the few red stem plants that will still show pink coloration in medium-light, low-tech tanks, making it a rare bit of color for aquarists who do not run CO2.

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