TankBud

Ludwigia senegalensis

Also known as Ludwigia sp. 'Guinea', Ludwigia 'Guinea', Senegal ludwigia, Guinea ludwigia

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Ludwigia senegalensis (Ludwigia senegalensis)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ required
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
11.8 in
30 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Midground
Type
Stem
pH
5.0–7.5
Hardness
0–8 dGH
Spread
2.4 in (6 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Difficult
Family
Onagraceae
Origin
Tropical West Africa (cultivated stock from Guinea)

Overview

A demanding collector stem plant that needs high light, CO2 and soft water to hold its color and grow compactly. It responds strongly to root feeding, so nutrient-rich substrate (some hobbyists use a touch of ammonia in the root zone) grows the fattest leaves. Dose iron and trace elements heavily, often double a normal regimen, for full red coverage. Low light turns it green and leggy.

In the wild

Widespread across tropical Africa, with the plant in the trade sourced from Guinea in West Africa. It grows in shallow, soft, warm freshwater. It is a fairly recent introduction to the aquarium hobby and still uncommon because few farms grow it.

Good to know

A member of the Onagraceae, the evening primrose family. It entered the hobby labeled as Ludwigia sp. 'Guinea' before being identified as Ludwigia senegalensis. Its leaves show a striking pattern of pale central veins against a brick-red to green blade, a venation contrast unusual among aquarium Ludwigia.

Did you know

Did you know the striking white central vein that makes this plant so recognizable only shows clearly under high light with strong iron dosing, and the same stem grown in low light will look like an ordinary green Ludwigia.

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