Red Ludwigia - Ludwigia repens
Description
Red Ludwigia (Ludwigia repens) is a stunning and popular aquatic plant that brings vibrant color and texture to freshwater aquariums. Known for its rich red and green foliage, this plant is perfect for adding visual contrast and depth to your aquatic landscape. When grown under the right conditions, Red Ludwigia develops deep red leaves, especially when provided with sufficient lighting and nutrients. It is a fast-growing, hardy plant that can be planted in the substrate or floated, making it suitable for a variety of tank setups, from planted aquariums to aquascaping.
Key Features
- Scientific Name: Ludwigia repens
- Common Name: Red Ludwigia
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Size: 6 to 18 inches (15 to 45 cm) tall
- Light Requirements: Moderate to high lighting for the best color development
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Color: Green to red foliage, with red hues becoming more prominent under high light conditions
- Temperature Range: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
- pH Range: 6.0 to 7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
- Propagation: Can be propagated by cutting stems and replanting them in the substrate
Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Red Ludwigia can thrive in tanks as small as 10 gallons, but larger tanks (20 gallons or more) are ideal for ample growth.
- Lighting: Prefers moderate to high light levels. Under optimal lighting, the plant will display vibrant red leaves, making it a stunning feature in your aquascape.
- Water Conditions: Thrives in soft to moderately hard water with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A gentle filter is recommended, as this plant does not like high water flow, which can damage its delicate stems and leaves.
- Substrate: Prefers nutrient-rich substrate but can grow in a variety of substrates, including gravel or fine sand. Adding liquid fertilizers or root tabs can encourage better growth.
- CO2: While not strictly necessary, adding CO2 will enhance growth and bring out the plant’s red coloration, especially in low-tech tanks.
Care Tips
- Lighting: To achieve vibrant red coloration, provide bright light for at least 8-10 hours a day. However, too much direct light can cause algae issues, so it's important to find a balanced lighting schedule.
- Water Changes: Regular water changes (about 20-30% weekly) are important to maintain healthy water quality, especially since Red Ludwigia is a fast grower that can consume a lot of nutrients.
- Trimming: To keep your Red Ludwigia looking its best, regularly trim back any overgrown or leggy stems. This will promote bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too tall and sparse.
- Nutrients: Red Ludwigia thrives in nutrient-rich water. Using a complete liquid fertilizer or root tabs will support its rapid growth and vibrant color.
Tankmates
- Compatible Tankmates: Red Ludwigia is a peaceful plant and can be grown alongside most freshwater fish and invertebrates, including:
- Tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras)
- Guppies
- Corydoras Catfish
- Shrimp (e.g., Amano Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp)
- Snails (e.g., Nerite Snails, Mystery Snails)
- Avoid: Avoid planting Red Ludwigia in tanks with excessively high water flow, as strong currents can damage the delicate leaves and hinder growth.
Why Choose Red Ludwigia?
Red Ludwigia is a beautiful, versatile plant that adds dramatic color to your aquarium. Its ability to grow quickly and its vibrant hues make it a favorite among aquascapers and aquarists alike. Whether used as a background plant, midground feature, or for contrast in a planted tank, Red Ludwigia will undoubtedly stand out as one of the most visually striking plants in your setup. Its ease of care and impressive growth rate make it perfect for both beginner and advanced hobbyists.
