Here is all about Ludwigia repens — one of the most popular, hardy, and visually appealing stem plants for freshwater aquariums, loved for its reddish hues, easy care, and versatility in aquascaping.

🌿 Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Ludwigia repens

• Common Names: Creeping Ludwigia, Red Ludwigia

• Family: Onagraceae

• Origin: North and Central America (native to southern U.S., Mexico, and Caribbean)

🌱 Appearance

• Leaves: Oval to oblong, smooth-edged, arranged in opposite pairs

• Color: Green under low light, turning bronze to deep red under strong lighting and nutrient-rich conditions

• Stem: Reddish in color, becomes brighter with high light

• Height: 20 – 50 cm (8 – 20 inches)

• Width/Spread: ~5 – 10 cm (2 – 4 inches) per stem cluster

• Growth Habit: Upright with occasional lateral spreading if trimmed

🔥 In open-top tanks, L. repens may grow emersed, forming small yellow flowers above the waterline.

💧 Ideal Tank Conditions

🌾 Growth & Propagation

• Growth Rate: Fast under good conditions

• Propagation: Cut top or side shoots and replant in the substrate

• Trimming Habit: Frequent trimming encourages bushy, compact growth

• Spacing: 2–4 cm between stems for better light penetration

🌟 Aquascaping Uses

• Ideal for midground to background in most layouts

• Adds warm red/bronze contrast to green or yellow plants

• Suitable for Dutch-style, Nature aquariums, or low-tech tanks

• Creates a soft, natural look when grown in dense groups

🧠 Care Tips

• Stronger light and CO₂ yield brighter red coloration

• Dose micronutrients and iron to enhance leaf pigmentation

• Potassium and nitrogen promote lush growth

• Trim regularly to avoid leggy growth and maintain shape

• Avoid planting in shaded areas to prevent lower leaf drop

⚠️ Common Issues

• Turns green or pale in low light or nutrient-poor setups

• Lower leaves may melt or fall in shaded or overcrowded tanks

• Can overgrow quickly if not maintained

• New leaves may appear twisted or yellow with nutrient deficiency

🐠 Compatibility

• Safe with all peaceful fish and invertebrates

• Great for shrimp tanks

• Provides good cover for fry and shy species

• Avoid with large, destructive fish (goldfish, cichlids, Oscars)

📌 Summary

✅ Why Choose Ludwigia repens?

• Beginner-friendly red plant

• Thrives in low to high-tech tanks

• Easy to propagate and shape

• Excellent for naturalistic or colorful aquascapes

• Affordable and widely available