Ludwigia Rubin

Ludwigia repens 'Rubin'

Also known as Ludwigia 'Rubin', Ludwigia sp. 'Weinrot', Ruby Ludwigia, Ludwigia aff. glandulosa 'Rubin'

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Ludwigia Rubin (Ludwigia repens 'Rubin') — Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light: Medium light
CO2: No CO₂ needed
Temperature: 68–82°F; 20–28°C
Max height: 19.7 in; 50 cm

Growth rate: Medium
Placement: Midground
Type: Stem
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: 3–18 dGH
Spread: 2.4 in (6 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root + water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Easy
Family: Onagraceae
Origin: Cultivated form of North American Ludwigia

Overview

Ludwigia Rubin is one of the more forgiving red stem plants, and it suits the midground.

Did you know

Ludwigia Rubin gives away its mixed parentage in its leaves. It carries an irregular mix of opposite and alternate leaves, while a true Ludwigia repens always has two opposite leaves per node.

Caring for Ludwigia Rubin

Plant Ludwigia Rubin in groups in the midground for a fuller block of red. Set the stems one at a time, a little apart. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer both help.

It grows in medium light and does well without added CO2. Strong light and iron dosing deepen the wine-red color. Keep the stand well lit, since the lower leaves tend to drop when light is too weak.

It grows at a moderate pace, to about 50 cm, so keep it trimmed. Take cuttings from the tops and replant them, and the stumps grow side shoots. Keep the water between 68 and 82°F (20 to 28°C).

Good to know

Ludwigia Rubin is a member of the Onagraceae. Shops label it Ludwigia repens 'Rubin', but it is probably a hybrid rather than a pure repens variety. The likely partner is Ludwigia glandulosa, which is why it is sometimes listed as Ludwigia aff. glandulosa or Ludwigia sp. 'Weinrot'.

In the wild

Ludwigia Rubin is sold as a red form of Ludwigia repens, a North American primrose-willow of swamps and slow streams. It is a cultivated selection kept in the trade rather than a wild-collected population. Keepers prize it for its deep red leaves and stems.

Common questions

Does Ludwigia Rubin 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 Rubin need CO2?

No. Ludwigia Rubin grows well without added CO2.

How much light does Ludwigia Rubin need?

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

Does Ludwigia Rubin need root tabs?

They help. Ludwigia Rubin 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 Rubin?

Ludwigia Rubin 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.