Ludwigia Repens
Ludwigia repens
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A stem plant with rounded leaves that turn red in stronger light, and an easy way to add color. It grows without added carbon dioxide, though it asks for more light than most beginner plants. Plant it in groups, and trim the tops often to keep it bushy.
- Light
- Medium
- CO2
- Not Needed
- Growth
- Moderate
- Placement
- Midground
- Max height
- 12 in (30 cm)
- Temperature
- 72–79 °F (22–26 °C)
- pH
- 5–7.5
- Needs substrate
- Yes
Ludwigia Repens care
How it spreads
Cut healthy stem tops and replant them. The lower stem will also grow new shoots.
Ludwigia Repens care mistakes to avoid
- Give it stronger light if you want red leaves, because low light keeps it green.
- Plant stems apart, since crowded stems lose their lower leaves.
- Add iron or a liquid fertilizer if the new growth looks pale.
- Trim and replant the tops, because the lower stem can become bare.
Ludwigia Repens setup
LightMedium light
Our sources rate Ludwigia Repens as a medium light plant. These are the lights we chose for a first planted tank.
hygger 18W LED Aquarium Light (18-24 inch) US
NICREW ClassicLED Plus Aquarium Light US
EHEIM classicLED plants 550 mm Spain
EHEIM classicLED daylight 550 mm Spain
Why we chose these (Best Light for a Beginner Planted Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
SubstrateA stem plant that is planted into the substrate; Tropica suggests root capsules for stem plants.
We are still choosing products for this.
Where to buy Ludwigia Repens
Stores that list it under the same scientific name as this page. Links marked as affiliate links may earn us a commission. We have not bought from them, so check each store's own terms.
See it at The Shrimp Farm (a retailer; affiliate link)
We have not found a store that sells Ludwigia Repens under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Check your local rules on Ludwigia Repens
Official lists name this plant or its close relatives. Rules differ by place, so check the rules where you live before you buy or keep one.
Spain
Spain's catalogue of invasive alien species lists every Ludwigia except Ludwigia palustris, and the ministry's technical sheet names Ludwigia repens. The listing covers all of Spain, and it brings a general ban on keeping, transporting and selling live plants or pieces that could grow.
Source: Real Decreto 630/2013, consolidated text (BOE); Ludwigia spp. technical sheet (MITECO); Real Decreto 630/2013, consolidated text (BOE), article 7
European Union
The EU list of invasive alien species names two other species, Ludwigia grandiflora and Ludwigia peploides. It does not name Ludwigia repens, so check exactly which plant you have.
Source: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1141 (Official Journal copy on BOE)
Never release aquarium animals or plants into the wild, including into ponds, rivers or drains.
This is general information, not legal advice. We last checked these lists on 4 November 2026. Our US state aquarium rules table shows every state, including the ones whose lists we could not read. We did not check Spanish regional rules, and other countries have their own.
Ludwigia Repens FAQ
How tall does Ludwigia Repens grow?
Tropica lists growth to about 30 cm (12 in) in a tank, and it can grow larger over time.
What light does Ludwigia Repens need?
Tropica rates its light demand as medium. Most standard aquarium lights are enough.
How do I make ludwigia red?
Stronger light brings out red tones, and iron-rich fertilizer helps. In low light it usually stays mostly green.
Is ludwigia good for beginners?
Yes, with moderate light. It is forgiving, grows steadily, and recovers well from trimming.
Ludwigia Repens facts and sources
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