🌺 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

• Scientific Name: Ludwigia glandulosa (commonly labeled as Ludwigia peruensis in the trade)

• Common Name: Ludwigia Peruensis, Glandular Ludwigia

• Origin: North America (misleadingly marketed as "Peruensis")

• Growth Form: Upright stem plant with pointed, lance-shaped leaves

• Leaf Color: Deep green to dark red or purple, depending on conditions

• Height: 20–50 cm (8–20 inches)

• Placement: Midground or background

💡 Care Requirements

🔆 Lighting

• High lighting is required for best coloration (deep reds and purples)

• In medium light, leaves stay green or brownish with minimal red

💨 CO₂

• Strongly recommended – helps enhance growth and brings out rich red/purple hues

• Without CO₂, it may survive but grow slower and lose intensity

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Flow: Moderate preferred to prevent algae buildup on leaves

🧪 Nutrients

• Heavy feeder – needs both a rich substrate and liquid fertilizers

• High iron and micronutrients help maintain red coloration

• Deficiency = pale or translucent leaves, especially at the tips

✂️ Growth & Maintenance

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Regular trimming encourages bushy growth – top and replant cuttings to create full bunches

• Remove older bottom leaves if they yellow or melt

🌱 Propagation

• Propagated by cuttings:

  • Snip healthy tops (~10 cm) and replant into the substrate

  • Side shoots will also form along trimmed stems

• Roots readily from cuttings when planted in good substrate

🪴 Aquascaping Tips

• Best used as a focal point in the mid-to-background

• Looks fantastic in Dutch-style aquascapes with strong color contrasts

• Pairs well with:

  • Bright green plants like Limnophila sessiliflora or Hydrocotyle tripartita

  • Fine-leaf plants like Rotala wallichii for texture contrast

  • Dark hardscape to make the red pop even more