Plant Profile Ludwigia Natans Super Red is an easy-to-keep, fast-growing midground and background stem plant known for its intense bright red coloration and small, round, pointed leaves. Highly favored for adding movement and dimension to aquascapes, this species adds immediate visual depth and contrast. When provided with high lighting and nutrient-rich water, Super Red Ludwigia rapidly branches into dense, bushy clusters that look especially attractive when planted in groups of 10 to 12 stems. *Form Notice: Photos display this plant in both its emersed (above-water) and submerged forms. Depending on nursery availability and seasonality, you may receive this plant in either form. Learn more about what to expect by reading our guide on Emersed vs. Submerged-Grown Aquatic Plants. Key Features & Benefits Leaf color shifts from olive green under low light to fire-engine red under high-intensity LED lighting and elevated iron levels. Beginner-friendly care with striking visual contrast in both high-tech and low-tech setups. Care & Planting Instructions Remove lead weight and remove cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the base, then strip the lower inch of foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting. *Ludwigia can be very fragile. Be sure to handle this aquarium plant with care. Use fine-tip pinsettes to push stems 1–2 inches into soil, spacing them apart for light penetration. Provide medium-to-high light. Adding pressurized CO2 accelerates growth, yields thicker stems, and maximizes red pigmentation. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants. Maintain stable water parameters and avoid drastic environmental changes to prevent leaf melt or rotting in fragile stems. Trim stem tops with straight scissors once they reach the surface to promote branching. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details. Quick Facts Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth! Attribute Specification Scientific Name Ludwigia natans 'Super Red' Common Name(s) Super Red Ludwigia, Ludwigia Natans Super Red Family Onagraceae Plant Type / Taxonomy Stem Plant Care Difficulty Easy Light Requirement Medium (High required for bright red colors) CO2 Requirement Not necessary (but recommended for robust growth) Placement / Usage Midground / Background Height / Size 6–12” Growth Rate Fast Water Parameters pH 6.0–7.0 Propagation Method Cuttings Origin North/Central America Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants? Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining strong light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy. 2. How do I get my Ludwigia Natans to reach its maximum red color potential? High light intensity, adequate iron dosing, and mild nitrate limitation trigger stem plants to produce anthocyanins, turning their foliage vivid red. While this plant is easy to grow in green forms, pushing it to "Super Red" requires these optimized conditions. 3. My stem plants arrived with round green leaves, but the new growth looks totally different. Is this normal? Yes! Many aquatic stem plants are cultivated emersed (above water) at plant nurseries, producing rounder, thicker green leaves. Once submerged in your aquarium, the plant will transition into its aquatic form, sprouting delicate, colorful underwater leaves.
