Ludwigia palustris (super red)

Care at a glance

Ludwigia palustris is the red stem plant found in almost every shop these days, usually as super red or mini super red. It is more compact and finer-leaved than the familiar Ludwigia repens and colours from orange to deep red under sufficient light, even without CO2.

Plant the stems a few centimetres apart in the midground and top them regularly; the cut tops simply go back into the substrate. The more light and iron, the redder the leaves. In a low-light tank it turns green and stretches, which is its way of asking for more.

Related species

• Micro swordLilaeopsis brasiliensis
• Pogostemon erectusPogostemon erectus
• Pogostemon stellatus (octopus)Pogostemon stellatus
• Pygmy chain swordHelanthium tenellum
• Cardinal flower (lobelia)Lobelia cardinalis
• Weeping mossVesicularia ferriei