Ludwigia Repens is one of the easiest red stem plants for aquariums. Its rounded leaves are green-bronze on top and red underneath, and with the right light the whole plant turns copper-red. It grows in low-tech tanks too, which makes it a favourite first red plant in India.
Quick answer: Ludwigia Repens is an easy, fast-growing stem plant for the background. It grows in low to medium light without CO2, but turns properly red only with stronger light, good iron levels and slightly limited nitrate. Plant stems 2–3 cm apart, trim the tops when they reach the surface and replant them to build a bushier group.
Ludwigia Repens care sheet
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Ludwigia repens |
| Origin | North and Central America |
| Height | 20–50 cm |
| Placement | Background or midground groups |
| Light | Low to high (higher = redder) |
| CO₂ | Optional |
| Temperature | 20–28 °C |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Price in India | From ₹140 on Anubias.in |
How to make Ludwigia Repens red
Red colour comes mainly from strong light. Under a basic LED the plant stays mostly green-brown with red undersides. To get deep red leaves:
- Use a brighter planted-tank LED and keep the plant high in the tank, close to the light.
- Dose an iron-containing fertiliser; iron supports red pigments.
- Avoid very high nitrate, which keeps plants greener.
- Add CO2 if possible for denser, more colourful growth.
- Keep floating plants away from the area above it.
Planting and trimming
- Remove the lead weight or foam and any damaged lower leaves.
- Plant each stem 3–4 cm deep and 2–3 cm apart.
- When stems reach the surface, cut off the top 10 cm and replant the tops.
- The cut bases send out side shoots, making the group bushier.
Common problems
- Lower leaves falling off: the lower part is shaded; trim and replant tops, or thin the group.
- Green instead of red: light too weak; see the tips above.
- Twisted, pale new leaves: nutrient shortage, often iron or trace elements.
- Floating leaves at the surface: normal once stems reach the top; trim them.
More stem plant guides:
Where to place Ludwigia repens
Plant Ludwigia repens in groups of several stems towards the back or sides of the tank, where it can grow up without shading slower foreground plants. Leave a little space between stems so light reaches the lower leaves. Best background plants
Plants in this guide
Frequently asked questions
Can Ludwigia Repens grow without CO2?
Yes. It is one of the best red-toned plants for low-tech tanks, though colours are softer and growth is slower without CO2.
Is Ludwigia Repens good for beginners?
Yes. It tolerates a wide range of water, temperature and light, and recovers quickly from trimming mistakes.
What plants pair well with Ludwigia Repens?
Green background plants such as Water Wisteria and Vallisneria make its colour stand out, with Anubias and Crypts in front.
Buy Ludwigia Repens or see all stem plants, and compare options in our best stem plants for beginners guide.
Buy aquarium stem plants online in India: Rotala, Ludwigia, Bacopa, Water Wisteria and more.
Red plants staying green? See how to get red colour in Ludwigia and Red Myrio.
