🌺 Ludwigia peruensis – Care Guide
(Also known as Ludwigia glandulosa or Ludwigia peruensis "Red" in the hobby)
Ludwigia peruensis is a stunning, red-to-purple stem plant that adds bold contrast and vibrant color to freshwater aquascapes. It’s known for its dramatic leaf coloration and is a favorite in Dutch-style tanks or as a focal point in nature aquascapes.
🔎 Overview
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Scientific Name: Ludwigia glandulosa (commonly labeled as Ludwigia peruensis in the trade)
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Common Name: Ludwigia Peruensis, Glandular Ludwigia
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Origin: North America (misleadingly marketed as "Peruensis")
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Growth Form: Upright stem plant with pointed, lance-shaped leaves
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Leaf Color: Deep green to dark red or purple, depending on conditions
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Height: 20–50 cm (8–20 inches)
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Placement: Midground or background
💡 Care Requirements
🔆 Lighting
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High lighting is required for best coloration (deep reds and purples)
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In medium light, leaves stay green or brownish with minimal red
💨 CO₂
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Strongly recommended – helps enhance growth and brings out rich red/purple hues
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Without CO₂, it may survive but grow slower and lose intensity
💧 Water Parameters
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Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
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Flow: Moderate preferred to prevent algae buildup on leaves
🧪 Nutrients
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Heavy feeder – needs both a rich substrate and liquid fertilizers
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High iron and micronutrients help maintain red coloration
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Deficiency = pale or translucent leaves, especially at the tips
✂️ Growth & Maintenance
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Growth Rate: Moderate
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Regular trimming encourages bushy growth – top and replant cuttings to create full bunches
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Remove older bottom leaves if they yellow or melt
🌱 Propagation
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Propagated by cuttings:
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Snip healthy tops (~10 cm) and replant into the substrate
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Side shoots will also form along trimmed stems
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Roots readily from cuttings when planted in good substrate
🪴 Aquascaping Tips
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Best used as a focal point in the mid-to-background
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Looks fantastic in Dutch-style aquascapes with strong color contrasts
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Pairs well with:
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Bright green plants like Limnophila sessiliflora or Hydrocotyle tripartita
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Fine-leaf plants like Rotala wallichii for texture contrast
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Dark hardscape to make the red pop even more
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