Marsh ludwigia
Ludwigia palustris
Also known asRed ludwigia · Marsh seedbox · Hampshire purslane
Water parameters
Light and nutrients
Substrate type: nutrient preferred. Propagation: stem cuttings.
Substrate compatibility
| Substrate | pH effect | Nutrient load |
|---|---|---|
| Aquasoil (ADA Amazonia) | lowers pH | very high |
| Mineralized clay substrate (Seachem Fluorite) | neutral / inert | moderate |
| Dirted tank (mineralized topsoil) (DIY soil substrate) | slightly acidic | very high |
| Inert sand (Pool filter sand) | neutral / inert | none |
| Inert gravel (Aquarium gravel) | neutral / inert | none |
With fish
Origin and habitat
Native to temperate and tropical regions across the Americas, Europe, and Africa. The species (Ludwigia palustris) is one of the most widespread Ludwigia species, found in marshes, pond margins, slow streams, and wet meadows. The plant grows as a creeping to semi-upright stem with small, oval leaves arranged in opposite pairs. Submerged leaves are green to olive; under strong light, they develop reddish tones. The 'Super Red' cultivar (sometimes listed separately) was selected for intense red coloration under high light. Ludwigia palustris is one of the few red aquarium plants native to both North America and Europe, and it tolerates cooler water than most tropical red stems. Multiple subspecies and regional forms exist, contributing to confusion in the trade. The species crosses readily with L. repens, producing hybrids with intermediate characteristics. In the US and Europe, L. palustris grows wild in wetland habitats and can be collected legally from many locations during the growing season. The cold tolerance extends to brief frost exposure of the emersed form, which is unusual among aquarium plants.
Outdoor pond use
- USDA zones
- 4–10 (winter low around -34°C or warmer)
Care notes
Easy stem plant that provides red coloring without extreme demands. Grows in low to high light, though the red coloration only appears under moderate to high light with good iron supplementation. Under low light, the leaves stay green. CO2 is not strictly required but significantly improves the red color and growth density. Plant stems in groups of 5+, pushed into substrate. Growth is moderate, less aggressive than Hygrophila but steady. Trim tops and replant to propagate. The cut stems produce side shoots. Temperature: 15–28°C (tolerates cooler water than most red stems, useful in unheated setups). pH 6.0-8.0. Soft to hard water. Iron dosing (liquid fertilizer or root tabs with iron) is the single most important factor for red coloration; without iron, even under high light the plant stays green-brown rather than vivid red. A good entry-level red plant for keepers transitioning from all-green setups. Available from aquatic plant retailers as potted and tissue culture specimens.