Description
Ludwigia perennsis “Deep Red”
Submerged – Price for 3 stems
Emersed – Price per pot with 4-5 stems
Overview
Ludwigia perennis, commonly known as perennial water primrose, is an aquatic plant from the Onagraceae family, native to North and Central America. It thrives in freshwater environments like wetlands, marshes, and pond edges, making it adaptable for aquarium use. This plant is valued for its bright green to reddish foliage and yellow flowers when grown emersed, though it is primarily used submerged in aquariums for its lush, leafy growth. It’s suitable for midground or background placement, adding vertical structure and vibrant color to aquascapes.
- Scientific Name: Ludwigia perennis
- Common Names: Perennial water primrose, water purslane
- Growth Habit: Stem plant, upright or sprawling
- Height: 20–60 cm (8–24 inches) in aquariums
- Aquarium Placement: Midground to background
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Care Requirements
Lighting: Moderate to high (40–80 µmol PAR). Higher lighting enhances red coloration.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 20–28°C
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3–8 dKH)
Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate (e.g., aqua soil, fine gravel with root tabs) promotes healthy growth. A depth of 2–4 cm is ideal.
Nutrients: Regular fertilization with liquid fertilizers (rich in iron and micronutrients) or root tabs is essential.
CO2: Optional but recommended (10–20 mg/L) for vibrant colors and faster growth.
Water Flow: Moderate flow to ensure nutrient circulation without disturbing the plant.
Planting and Propagation
Planting:
- Trim healthy stems to 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) lengths, ensuring each has several leaves.
- Remove leaves from the bottom 2–3 cm of the stem to prevent rot.
- Plant stems 2–3 cm deep into the substrate, spacing them 3–5 cm apart to allow growth.
- Use tweezers for precise planting in nutrient-rich substrate under good lighting.
Propagation:
- Cut healthy stems from the top or side shoots and replant them in the substrate.
- The plant naturally produces side shoots, which can be separated and replanted.
- Ensure consistent moisture and lighting during initial rooting to promote establishment.
Maintenance
- Trimming: Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Cut above a node to promote branching.
- Cleaning: Gently remove debris around the plant to prevent algae buildup.
- Fertilization: Apply liquid fertilizers weekly or root tabs every 3–4 months to sustain nutrient levels.
- Water Changes: Perform 20–30% weekly water changes to maintain water quality.
- Monitoring: Check for yellowing leaves (indicating nutrient deficiency) or algae growth, adjusting lighting or nutrients as needed.
Challenges and Tips
Challenges:
- Colour Fading: Insufficient lighting or nutrients can cause leaves to turn green instead of red.
- Slow Growth: Without CO2 or high light, growth may be slow, affecting aesthetics.
- Brittle Stems: Stems can be fragile, requiring careful handling during trimming or replanting.
Tips:
- Use high-quality lighting (full-spectrum LED) to enhance red coloration.
- Supplement with iron-rich fertilizers to maintain vibrant hues.
- Handle stems gently during planting or propagation to avoid breakage.
- Pair with compatible tank mates (e.g., small fish, shrimp) to avoid damage, as aggressive fish may nibble on leaves.
- Plant in groups for a fuller, more dramatic effect in the midground or background.
Recommendation
Ludwigia perennis is recommended for aquarists with some experience who want to add vibrant color and vertical structure to their tanks. Its moderate care requirements make it suitable for hobbyists comfortable with maintaining nutrient levels and lighting. Ideal for medium to large aquariums, it complements other plants like Anubias or Java fern and pairs well with community fish. For best results, use CO2 injection and high lighting to achieve striking red foliage. This plant is a great choice for creating dynamic, natural-looking aquascape
