Ludwigia super red

Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red'

Also known as Ludwigia palustris Super Red, Ludwigia sp. 'Red', Ludwigia natans 'Super Red', Super Red Ludwigia

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Care at a glance

Light: High light
CO2: CO₂ beneficial
Growth rate: Fast
Placement: Midground
Type: Stem
Temperature: 64–82°F (18–28°C)
pH: 5.0–7.5
Hardness: 2–15 dGH
Max height: 11.8 in (30 cm)
Spread: 2 in (5 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root + water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Easy
Origin: Cultivated form of Ludwigia palustris, a cosmopolitan marsh species
Family: Onagraceae

Overview

A compact red stem for the mid-ground, planted in small groups with stems spaced about a finger-width apart so light reaches the lower leaves. It will go red-brown under modest light, but solid deep red needs strong light, CO2 and steady iron plus full water-column dosing, with nitrate kept on the lower side. It takes nutrients through both roots and leaves, so a nutrient substrate helps. Trim and replant the tops to keep it bushy; weak light or low nutrients cause the lower leaves to drop.

In the wild

Ludwigia palustris is a cosmopolitan marsh and pond plant found across the Americas, Europe, North Africa and Asia, growing in shallow still or slow water and along muddy margins. The wild form is a creeping to ascending herb that switches readily between an emersed creeping habit and a submersed upright one. 'Super Red' is a selected aquarium strain bred for deeper colour, not a separate wild population.

Good to know

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 seen in some relatives. The 'Super Red' name is a trade selection; many sellers also label the same plant Ludwigia natans 'Super Red', but the accepted botanical name is Ludwigia palustris.

Did you know

Did you know the same plant looks completely different above and below water. Grown emersed it is a low green creeper, and only once submersed under good light does it develop the blood-red colour it is sold for.