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Purple Ludwigia
Ludwigia glandulosa
Also known as Purple Creeping Ludwigia, Ludwigia glandulosa
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Myrtales›Onagraceae
📍 Southeastern USA
Narrow-leaved Ludwigia that turns deep maroon-purple under high light. One of the most intensely coloured aquatic plants available. Slow-growing but spectacular. Requires CO2 and strong light to stay compact.
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 1 tankCommunity tanks featuring Purple Ludwigia.
Compatible Livestock
Small algae-eaters that graze gently on plant surfaces without damaging delicate stems
Peaceful invertebrates that clean algae and detritus without harming plant tissue
Small, peaceful fish that inhabit midwater and won't uproot or damage the plant
Companion stem plant with similar high-light requirements and growth characteristics
Foreground plant that complements Purple Ludwigia's midground placement and shares nutrient needs
Larger shrimp species that maintains tank cleanliness without damaging plant structure
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration despite high light, loss of purple pigmentation
Increase fertilizer dosing; test water parameters and adjust macronutrient and micronutrient supplementation accordingly. Consider liquid all-in-one fertilizers or comprehensive dry fert regimens.
Algae Overgrowth (Green/Black Spot)
Green or black algae coating leaves and stems, reduced light penetration, plant appears smothered
Improve water circulation, reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily, increase plant mass to outcompete algae, add algae-eating fish or shrimp, perform manual removal
Melting (Tissue Decay)
Leaves become translucent, stems soften and disintegrate, plant appears to dissolve
Improve water quality and stability; ensure adequate CO2 injection (30-40 ppm); increase lighting intensity; perform partial water changes; remove affected portions and replant healthy stems
Slow/Stunted Growth
Minimal new leaf development, weak stems, plant remains small despite adequate conditions
Verify CO2 levels are 30-40 ppm; increase light intensity to 8-10 hours daily; boost fertilization; ensure substrate contains nutrient-rich base layer; check water parameters for stability
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- CO2
- required
- lighting
- very high
- maxHeight
- 20–40 cm (8–16 in)
- placement
- midground/background
- substrate
- nutrient-rich
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- hardness
- 2–12 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.