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

Ludwigia senegalensis is a difficult collector stem plant from West Africa, used in the midground.

Did you know

The white midrib of Ludwigia senegalensis shows clearly only under high light with strong iron dosing. Grown in low light, the same stem looks like an ordinary green Ludwigia.

Caring for Ludwigia senegalensis

Plant Ludwigia senegalensis one stem at a time in the midground, in a nutrient-rich substrate. It responds strongly to root feeding, and a rich substrate grows the fattest leaves. Some hobbyists add a touch of ammonia to the root zone.

It needs high light, injected CO2 and soft water to hold its color and grow compactly. Dose iron and trace elements heavily, often double a normal regimen, for full red coverage. Keep the water between 72 and 82°F (22 to 28°C), with a GH of 0 to 8.

It grows at a moderate pace, to about 30 cm. Cut the tops and replant them, and the stumps grow side shoots. In low light it turns green and leggy and drops its lower leaves.

Good to know

Ludwigia senegalensis belongs to the Onagraceae, the evening primrose family. It entered the hobby as Ludwigia sp. 'Guinea' before it was identified. Its blades run brick-red to green, crossed by pale central veins, a contrast unusual among aquarium Ludwigias.

In the wild

Ludwigia senegalensis is widespread across tropical Africa, and the plant in the trade comes from Guinea in West Africa. It grows in shallow, soft, warm fresh water. It reached the aquarium hobby fairly recently and is still uncommon, because few farms grow it.

Common questions

Does Ludwigia senegalensis 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 senegalensis need CO2?

Yes. Ludwigia senegalensis needs injected CO2 to grow well, and it usually struggles without it.

How much light does Ludwigia senegalensis need?

Ludwigia senegalensis needs high light from a strong planted-tank LED. In weaker light its stems stretch and drop their lower leaves.

Does Ludwigia senegalensis need root tabs?

They help. Ludwigia senegalensis 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 senegalensis?

Ludwigia senegalensis 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 senegalensis grow?

Ludwigia senegalensis grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

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