Ludwigia Peruensis

Ludwigia glandulosa — Ludwigia Peruensis

A broad wine-red accent for high-light tanks — the richest, most dramatic red of the Ludwigias

Ludwigia Peruensis — better known as Ludwigia glandulosa — is prized for one of the deepest, most dramatic reds in the planted-tank hobby. Its spade-shaped leaves show rich olive-green on top and reddish-brown to deep burgundy-red on the undersides, creating a striking, moody color accent. This amphibious plant grows well both partially and fully submerged, and settles beautifully into the mid-ground of larger tanks or the background of smaller ones. There's one thing to know up front: it's easy to grow, but it needs strong light to reach and hold its signature deep color. Give it bright, full-spectrum lighting and it becomes one of the most stunning red plants you can keep.

AQUASCAPING TIP: Color is all about light here: Ludwigia glandulosa needs strong, full-spectrum lighting (the classic guideline is around 3–5 watts per gallon at 5000–7000K) to develop and hold its deep red — it fades to green without enough. Iron-rich fertilizer and CO2 intensify the color further. To build a full, bushy stand, trim the tops and replant the cuttings; the stems branch into more red side shoots, adding depth to the aquascape.

AT A GLANCE

CARE GUIDE

CUSTOMER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

(Q) How do I get its deep red color, and will it arrive red?

= This is the single most important thing about this plant: it needs strong light to color up. Ludwigia glandulosa develops its deep red-to-burgundy undersides only under bright, full-spectrum lighting — the classic guideline is roughly 3–5 watts per gallon at 5000–7000K — and it loses its color, reverting to olive-green, if the light is insufficient. Iron-rich fertilizer and CO2 deepen the color even further. One thing to expect: on arrival, your plant may look greener than the rich-red sample photos, which is completely normal. As it grows in under your strong lighting, the new growth develops its signature color. Provide bright light (and ideally iron and CO2), and it rewards you with a stunning wine-red.

(Q) It melted and dropped leaves after planting — is it dying?

= No — this is normal and temporary. As an amphibious plant, it's often grown emersed (above water) at the nursery, so when you plant it underwater, it may shed some of those emersed-grown leaves while it transitions to submerged life. The roots and stems stay alive, and it regrows fresh submersed leaves. Don't discard it — simply trim away any fully melted leaves, keep conditions stable, and give it a week or two to acclimate. New growth (which develops the best color under strong light) will follow.

(Q) How is it different from your other Ludwigias — Repens and Super Red "Mini"?

= The three are quite distinct, mostly in color and how much light they need:

• Ludwigia Peruensis / glandulosa (this plant) has olive-green tops with deep burgundy-red undersides and is the most light-demanding — it needs high light to show and hold color, and loses it easily without enough. The reward is a uniquely deep, dramatic wine-red. Best for strong-light tanks, mid-to-background.
• Ludwigia Repens has a similar green-top/red-underside look but is less demanding, coloring up more easily in moderate-to-high light. A larger mid-background plant.
• Ludwigia Super Red "Mini" is red all over and holds its color even in moderate light — the easiest, most reliable red, and compact for the foreground-to-midground.

Choose Peruensis for the deepest burgundy if you have strong lighting, Super Red for easy dependable red, or Repens for green-and-red contrast with moderate effort.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

1 Ludwigia Peruensis (Ludwigia glandulosa) bundle, 6+ inches, ready to plant on arrival. It needs strong, full-spectrum light for its deep red and may arrive greener than the sample photos, coloring up under your lighting over time. It may also drop some emersed leaves as it transitions to submersed growth — this is normal (see the FAQ). Remove the band and rinse gently before planting. Photos are representative of the species; your specimen may vary slightly.

Ships within 10–15 business days.