01
Overview
Ludwigia repens delivers red coloration on a beginner's budget of light and care, which no other plant does as reliably. The leaf tops run olive to copper while the undersides stay burgundy, so the stand shifts color as it sways.
02
Aquascaping use
A block of it behind green midground plants is the classic first red accent, and it still works. It suits both community jungles and more composed layouts needing warmth.
03
Planting
Plant cuttings with a little spacing and let it root into a nutritious bed; it feeds from both ends. Growth is quick enough to see weekly change.
Nutrient-bearing substrate
04
Light & CO₂
Medium light yields copper tones; stronger light pushes genuine red down more of the stem. CO₂ deepens color and tightens leaf spacing but is optional.
05
Substrate & fertilization
Balanced column dosing with sound nitrate and iron levels maintains color without games. It also appreciates substrate nutrition.
Feeding behavior: Mixed feeder. Nutrient demand: moderate.
06
Growth, trimming & propagation
Top regularly, replant the vivid tips, and discard bare lower halves as they fade. Frequent turnover is the price of the constant color.
Stem cuttings
07
Common problems
- !Greens out under weak light
- !Lower stems defoliate as tops shade them
- !Needs steady trimming to stay presentable
