I have killed more Ludwigia repens than I care to admit, usually by overthinking the light and underwatering the root zone at the same time. The Ludwigia repens Ludwigia repens is a workhorse plant for a reason: it tolerates a wide range of conditions and still looks good doing it.

At a glance

Lightmedium
Temperature22 to 28 °C
pH6.0 to 7.5
Height20 to 40 cm
CO₂optional
Growthmoderate

Planting

Plant Ludwigia repens with the crown or rhizome clear of the substrate — burying it rots the base. In a 34-gallon tank, position it mid-ground or background depending on its height. Weaker setups do fine; pair it with the red pest & bacterial septicemia: when fish bleed under the skin for a layered look.

Light and CO₂

Run 9 hours of light a day on a timer to avoid algae swings. Ludwigia repens grows under medium light and optional, though a small, steady dose of liquid fertiliser every 3 weeks pushes denser growth.

Propagation

Pinch the tips and replant; it branches readily.

Common issues

Yellowing lower leaves usually mean a nutrient gap, not too little light. Trim dying leaves at the base, keep nitrates around 10 to 20 ppm, and avoid moving the plant every week — a solid marimo moss ball care: the round, slow green pet explains why stability beats tinkering.