Ludwigia Peruensis `Diamond`

Trade names in this group are tangled, and 'Peruensis' has been applied to more than one plant over the years, so judge this one by what is in the pot rather than by the label. What you get is a narrow-leaved Ludwigia with pointed, almost lance-shaped foliage set closely along upright stems, running from olive green through bronze to a dark purple-red at the tips when conditions are right. The narrow leaf gives it a finer texture than the broad-leaved reds.

Aquarium care

• Colour intensity tracks light. In a dim tank it grows perfectly well but stays largely green.
• Plant the stems individually with a little space so the lower leaves keep their light.
• Tall growth suits the back of the aquarium, where the stems can reach without shading everything.
• Top the stems and replant the cuttings to build density; the remaining stump branches.
• Strip the lowest leaves from a cutting before planting so the buried section does not rot.

A background plant for medium to large planted tanks. It sits well behind schooling fish such as tetras, danios and rasboras, and behind hardscape in a Dutch-style layout.

Plant stock rotates through the shop. Collect at our Lethbridge store, or browse the Ludwigia range.