Ludwigia repens care guide
Ludwigia repens (incl. 'Rubin', possibly a hybrid) · Onagraceae
Ludwigia repens (Ludwigia repens (incl. 'Rubin', possibly a hybrid)) is an aquatic plant. It belongs to the Onagraceae family. It is native to Southern USA through Mexico to El Salvador, plus the Caribbean. It needs medium light. Water temperature: 19°C – 28°C. pH: 5.0 – 7.5. Care difficulty: Easy. Growth rate: fast.
How do you care for Ludwigia repens?
| Light | Medium (grows from about 0.4 W/L; stronger light only deepens the red) |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Optional (helpful) |
| Temperature | 19°C – 28°C |
| pH | 5.0 – 7.5 |
| Placement | Background or midground stem group |
| Growth | Fast |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Family | Onagraceae |
How do you trim and propagate Ludwigia repens?
Top the stems and replant the healthy tips; the old stems below will branch.
What problems affect Ludwigia repens?
Lower leaves drop when light does not reach the lower stem; colour stays green in weak light or with high nitrate.
How do you fix Ludwigia repens problems?
Stronger light and trim so light reaches the base; keep nitrate moderate and dose iron.
Where does Ludwigia repens come from?
Southern USA through Mexico to El Salvador, plus the Caribbean (Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas) · Biotope regions: North America.
What should you know before buying Ludwigia repens?
Naturalised outside its range (e.g. the Lane Cove River, Sydney), and regulated as a water weed that can clog waterways in New South Wales, Australia. Never release aquarium plants into waterways.
Sources
- Ludwigia repens J.R.Forst. — Kew – Plants of the World Online
- Creeping Primrose-willow (Ludwigia repens) Ecological Risk Screening Summary — U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (2021)
- Ludwigia repens 'Rubin' – plant details — Tropica
- Ludwigia repens — Flowgrow aquatic plant database
- Red ludwigia (Ludwigia repens) — NSW WeedWise (NSW DPI)
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Which aquascapes and tanks use Ludwigia repens?
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides