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

This is a demanding plant that needs strong light to color up and stay compact, going dull green and leggy in shade. CO2, a rich substrate, and regular dosing bring out its orange, brown, and red tones. Plant it in the midground, trim to encourage low crowns, and replant the cuttings to build a group.

In the wild

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa grows as a very compact, almost rosette-like stem plant, with narrow leaves that turn orange, brown, and red under strong light. It is native to wet coastal marshes of the eastern United States. Underwater the shoots stay short and dense, forming low crowns rather than long stems.

Good to know

Ludwigia sphaerocarpa is a member of the evening primrose family, Onagraceae, like all Ludwigia species. The species name sphaerocarpa refers to its rounded seed capsules. It was long known to botanists before hobbyists recognized its value as an aquarium plant.

Did you know

It grew unnoticed in American wetlands for generations before hobbyists discovered that its compact underwater crowns make an unusual aquarium plant.

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