Plant Profile Ludwigia Repens is an easy, fast-growing midground and background stem plant favored for adding vibrant color to aquascapes without the drama of fussier red species. Featuring oval leaves that grow in alternating pairs along flexible stems, its foliage shifts through shades of gold, orange, and deep red depending on aquarium conditions. When planted in dense bunches of 10 to 12 stems, Ludwigia Repens creates an eye-catching focal point and adds immediate visual depth. *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 hues naturally range from olive-gold to vibrant orange and red under medium-to-high lighting and elevated iron dosing. Beginner-friendly red stem plant that delivers bold color contrast in both low-tech and high-tech aquarium 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 stems can be fragile, so handle with care during preparation. Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into soil, spacing them slightly apart for optimal light penetration. Provide medium-to-high lighting and nutrient-rich aquarium soil; while CO2 injection is not strictly required, it yields much thicker stems and richer coloration. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants. Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden environmental shifts to prevent leaf melt or rotting in delicate stems. Trim stem tops with straight scissors once they reach the surface to encourage lower stems to shoot out new side branches. 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 repens Common Name(s) Ludwigia Repens, Creeping Primrose-Willow Family Onagraceae Plant Type / Taxonomy Stem Plant Care Difficulty Easy to Moderate Light Requirement Medium (High required for deep red colors) CO2 Requirement Not Necessary (Recommended for robust growth) Placement / Usage Midground / Background Height / Size 4–8”+ Growth Rate Fast Water Parameters pH 6.0–7.0 Propagation Method Cuttings (Cut stem and replant tops) Origin Cosmopolitan / Americas 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 Repens to turn bright red or orange? High light intensity, adequate iron dosing, and complete micronutrient fertilization trigger Ludwigia species to produce anthocyanins, turning their foliage deep orange or red. In lower lighting, the leaves will lean more toward olive-green and gold. 3. How do I transition Ludwigia Repens from emersed to submerged growth? When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into rich substrate under medium-to-high lighting and keep water parameters stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its thicker land leaves and sprout colorful, delicate underwater foliage. Once new shoots develop, trim away old lower growth to encourage branching.
