Ludwigia repens, or Water Primrose, is a beautiful freshwater aquarium plant that originates from the tropical North and Central American waters. It is an amphibious plant that will grow either partially or fully submersed. In its fully submersed form, its spade-shaped leaves range in color from dark green to brownish-red. The top of the leaves are typically olive green in color, whereas the undersides are reddish-brown to deep red. The vibrancy of this plant depends greatly on the amount of light it receives. When poorly illuminated, the colors will fade.
The Ludwigia repens makes a good mid-ground plant in the average aquarium, or even placed as a background in the smaller aquarium. They do require a high light intensity of 3 to 5 watts per gallon of full spectrum (5000-7000K) light. This plant does prefer a nuetral pH and moderately soft water, and will accept a wide temperature range.
Reproduction occurs during the warm season when the plant is fully mature. At this time, it will develop small, vibrant yellow flowers above the water's surface. Shortly thereafter, seeds will develope and drop to the substrate, where they will begin to grow into a new plant. To propogate the Ludwigia repens, simply cut branches or the top of the plant, and plant the stem into the substrate. Be sure to remove the leaves from the last node on the bottom of the stem to insure proper root growth.
*Plants may arrive looking slightly different to pictured as some are grown emersed. Rest assured, after a short time in the aquarium the plant converts to its underwater form.
