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PlantbeginnerFreshwater

Ludwigia Palustris

Ludwigia palustris

PlantaeTracheophytaMagnoliopsidaOnagraceae

📍 Worldwide

Ask Finn

Ludwigia Palustris is one of the most accessible red stem plants, displaying green upper leaf surfaces and deep reddish-pink undersides that are visible as the stems wave in current. It is far less demanding than L. arcuata or Super Red Mini, making it an excellent entry-level red plant for tanks with moderate light. Fast growth means it requires regular pruning to maintain shape.

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, loss of red pigmentation in undersides

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing (macro and micronutrients), add root tabs if using standard substrate, ensure adequate lighting and CO2

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating stems and leaves, reduced light penetration, plant vigor decline

Treatment

Reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily, increase water change frequency, add algae-eating shrimp or fish, manually remove affected leaves

Melting

Symptoms

Rapid leaf deterioration, mushy stems, transparent or dissolving foliage

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, ensure stable temperature (18-28°C), reduce light intensity temporarily, remove dead tissue

Slow Growth

Symptoms

Minimal new leaf development, weak stems, pale leaves despite adequate light

Treatment

Increase fertilizer frequency, boost CO2 to 30-40 ppm, verify lighting meets 60-150 PAR requirement, check water parameters for imbalances

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Quick Facts

co2
Beneficial but not essential
light
Medium to high (60–150 PAR)
placement
Background
substrate
Standard or enriched substrate
growth rate
Fast

Water it likes

ph
6.0–7.5
nitrate
<30 ppm
hardness
2–18 dGH
temperature
64–82°F (18–28°C)

Stats

Community tips0
Growing in0 tanks