Cultivated form of Ludwigia palustris, a cosmopolitan marsh species
Overview
Ludwigia super red is an easy stem plant for the midground, sold for its deep red color.
Did you know
Ludwigia super red looks completely different above and below water. Grown emersed it is a low green creeper, and only submersed under good light does it develop the blood-red color it is sold for.
Caring for Ludwigia super red
Plant Ludwigia super red in small groups in the midground, with stems about a finger-width apart. That spacing lets light reach the lower leaves. It takes nutrients through both roots and leaves, so a nutrient substrate or root tabs help.
It needs high light, and under modest light it only goes red-brown. Solid deep red needs strong light, CO2 and steady iron, plus full water-column dosing with nitrate kept on the lower side. It grows without injected CO2, though CO2 makes it grow faster. Keep the water between 64 and 82°F (18 to 28°C).
It grows fast, to about 50 cm, so trim and replant the tops to keep it bushy. The stumps left behind grow side shoots. Weak light or low nutrients make the lower leaves drop.
Good to know
Ludwigia super red sits in the family Onagraceae, the evening primrose family, alongside the rest of the genus Ludwigia. It is one of the smaller-leaved Ludwigia species, with opposite leaves rather than the whorled arrangement of some relatives. The name 'Super Red' marks a trade selection. Many sellers also label it Ludwigia natans 'Super Red', but the accepted botanical name is Ludwigia palustris.
In the wild
Ludwigia palustris is a cosmopolitan marsh and pond plant found across the Americas, Europe, North Africa and Asia. It grows in shallow still or slow water and along muddy margins as a creeping to ascending herb. The 'Super Red' form is a selected aquarium strain bred for deeper color, not a separate wild population.
Common questions
Is Ludwigia super red a different species from Ludwigia palustris?
No. Ludwigia super red is a form of Ludwigia palustris. It wants high light, where the species wants medium. It also differs in hardness, pH, placement and temperature.
Does Ludwigia super red 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 super red need CO2?
No, but it helps. Ludwigia super red can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.
How much light does Ludwigia super red need?
Ludwigia super red needs high light from a strong planted-tank LED. In weaker light its stems stretch and drop their lower leaves.
Does Ludwigia super red need root tabs?
They help. Ludwigia super red 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 super red?
Ludwigia super red 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 super red grow?
Ludwigia super red grows to about 19.7 in (50 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.
High lightMidground19.7 in (50 cm)
Medium lightMidground19.7 in (50 cm)
High lightMidground15.7 in (40 cm)
High lightMidground19.7 in (50 cm)
High lightMidground11.8 in (30 cm)
High lightMidground11.8 in (30 cm)