TankBud

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa

Also known as Roundfruit primrose willow, Globe-fruited ludwigia, Roundpod water-primrose

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

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

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
11.8 in
30 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Midground
Type
Stem
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Spread
3.9 in (10 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Difficult
Family
Onagraceae
Origin
Native to wet coastal marshes and pond margins of the eastern United States, from Massachusetts to Texas.

Overview

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa is a demanding, slow-growing stem plant for the midground.

Did you know

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa grew unnoticed in American wetlands for generations. Only later did hobbyists find that its compact underwater crowns make an unusual aquarium plant.

Caring for Ludwigia sphaerocarpa

Plant Ludwigia sphaerocarpa in the midground, setting the stems in a rich substrate one at a time. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so add root tabs and a liquid fertilizer.

It needs strong light to color up and stay compact, and in shade it goes dull green and leggy. Strong light, CO2 and regular dosing bring out the orange, brown and red tones of its narrow leaves. It grows without injected CO2, though CO2 makes it grow faster. Keep the water between 68 and 82°F (20 to 28°C).

It grows slowly, to about 30 cm, and rarely needs heavy trimming. Trim it to encourage low crowns, and replant the cuttings to build a group.

Good to know

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa is a member of the evening primrose family, Onagraceae, like all Ludwigia species. The name sphaerocarpa refers to its rounded seed capsules. It grows as a very compact, almost rosette-like stem plant. Underwater the shoots stay short and dense, forming low crowns rather than long stems.

In the wild

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa is native to the eastern United States, from Massachusetts to Texas. It grows in wet coastal marshes and around pond margins.

Common questions

Does Ludwigia sphaerocarpa 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 sphaerocarpa need CO2?

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

How much light does Ludwigia sphaerocarpa need?

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

Does Ludwigia sphaerocarpa need root tabs?

They help. Ludwigia sphaerocarpa 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 sphaerocarpa?

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa 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 sphaerocarpa grow?

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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