Ludwigia Palustris

Unlike most of the Ludwigia sold for aquariums, Ludwigia palustris is a widespread wild species rather than a nursery selection, growing naturally in marshes and shallow margins across a broad swathe of the northern hemisphere including much of North America. The aquarium form is noticeably smaller than its relatives, with short internodes and neat little oval leaves, so a planted group stays tight instead of sprawling upward and outward.

Aquarium care

• Its compact size makes it usable in the mid-ground, not just at the back.
• Colour ranges from green through olive to a wine red depending almost entirely on light intensity.
• Plant single stems in a loose cluster and let them fill in.
• Pinch the growing tips to encourage side shoots and a bushier shape.
• Trims root readily when replanted, so a single portion can be built into a group.

Suits smaller planted aquariums and aquascapers who want red tones without a plant that overwhelms the layout. Pair it with peaceful community fish that will not tear at soft stems, such as small tetras, rasboras and pygmy corydoras.

What is available changes as new plants arrive. Local pickup at our Lethbridge store, and more Ludwigia here.