Ludwigia Repens

Ludwigia repens — Ludwigia Repens

A fast, easy stem plant with olive-green tops and warm red undersides — colorful contrast without CO2

Ludwigia Repens is a hobby favorite for anyone who wants a splash of warm color without a high-tech setup. Its leaves show olive-to-bright green on top and red, orange, or pink on the undersides — and under stronger light those red hues deepen, creating a rich, glowing accent in the mid-to-background of any aquarium. It's fast-growing, beginner-friendly, and undemanding of CO2, adapting quickly to most tanks. With regular pruning it fills out into a dense, bushy stand that contrasts beautifully against lush green plants, making it one of the easiest ways to add dynamic color to an aquascape.

AQUASCAPING TIP: For the most color, give Ludwigia moderate-to-high light and an iron-rich fertilizer — both push the reds toward their deepest, warmest tones. To build a full, bushy look, trim the tops regularly and replant the cuttings: the original stem branches from the cut point, so one stem becomes two, and the cut tops become brand-new plants. Place it where its red undersides catch the light against green neighbors for striking contrast.

AT A GLANCE

CARE GUIDE

CUSTOMER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

(Q) Will it actually turn red, or stay green?

= Ludwigia Repens always shows some color on the undersides of its leaves, but how red it gets is driven mainly by light and nutrients. Under low-to-moderate light it stays mostly olive-green with red-tinged undersides; under brighter light — especially paired with an iron-rich fertilizer — the whole plant warms up and the reds, oranges, and pinks intensify, with the newest top growth showing the best color. So if vivid red is your goal, give it strong light and dose iron. Even in its greener state, the red undersides add warmth that all-green plants can't.

(Q) How do I get it bushy and full instead of tall and leggy?

= Two things: light and trimming. In dim light, Ludwigia stretches upward, the gaps between leaves widen, and lower leaves can drop, leaving bare stems — so adequate light is the first fix for legginess. The second is regular pruning: snip the tops at your preferred height and replant the cuttings right alongside the parent stems. The trimmed stem branches into multiple new shoots from the cut point, and the replanted tops root and grow, so each trim makes the stand denser. Repeat this cycle and you'll build a thick, bushy patch.

(Q) How do I plant it, and is it easy to keep?

= Very easy — it's a classic stem plant. Remove any rubber band, separate the stems, and gently push each one about an inch into the substrate, spacing them slightly apart so they're not crowded (planting too densely shades the lower leaves). Roots develop from the buried nodes within a week or two. It needs no CO2, grows at a satisfying medium pace, and tolerates a wide range of conditions, making it a great choice for beginners. Give it decent light, trim now and then, and it rewards you with fast, colorful growth.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

1 Ludwigia Repens bundle — 8–10 stems, each 4–6 inches, ready to plant on arrival. Remove the band and rinse gently before planting.

Ships within 10–15 business days.