Growing Creeping Primrose-Willow (Ludwigia Repens) In The Aquarium

Creeping Primrose-Willow, Creeping Water Primrose, Red Ludwigia, Primrose Willow, Creeping Ludwigia, Creeping Brookweed, Water Ludwigia

In natural conditions, Ludwigia is partially or completely submerged and grows on the edges of any type of water body (both standing and floating waters) in Mexico, United States, Guatemala, Colombia, and the Caribbean Islands. It is a polymorphic species, characterized by quite a large variability within a given population.

The species is characterized by resilient stems, from the nodes of which pairs of lancet or oval, small (up to 5 cm) leaves grow. Each subsequent floor of leaves is rotated 90º in relation to the previous one. The color of the plant depends on the intensity of the lighting - the stronger the light (minimum 2.5 W/l), the redder the plant. Usually its upper part is burgundy-red, and the lower or leaves underneath are green. The lighting also affects its layout - under weaker light it grows vertically upwards, under more intense it starts to lie on the substrate.

The plant looks best planted in groups (next seedlings every 4-6 cm) on the middle or rear view, and on the sides. It contrasts perfectly with green plants. Systematic pruning (top pruning) promotes the formation of numerous side shoots, and hence its densification.

This is a relatively easy species to cultivate and it spreads quickly. It prefers water with a pH from slightly acidic to neutral (pH=6.0-7.5). Additional fertilization with trace elements (iron, phosphates) facilitates and accelerates the reddening of the plant. Carbon dioxide fertilization is not required. In too weak light, the species loses its lower leaves.

This is a seed species, which in the aquarium we propagate vegetatively - from cut stem cuttings. Before planting such a cutting in the substrate, the leaves from the last node underneath should be removed.