Ludwigia palustris

🌿 Ludwigia palustris

Ludwigia palustris, commonly known as Marsh Seedbox, is a versatile stem plant popular for its broad, ovate leaves and reliable red-to-orange coloration. It is one of the easiest red stem plants to grow, making it a staple choice for adding warmth and vibrant color to planted aquariums.

🌱 Growth & Appearance

This plant produces sturdy stems lined with smooth, teardrop-shaped leaves arranged in opposite pairs. Depending on light levels and nutrient availability, the foliage ranges from olive-green and gold to rich orange and deep brick red.

Its manageable growth rate allows it to quickly form dense, bushy thickets. Regular pruning encourages multiple side shoots to sprout from the cut nodes, increasing overall group density.

💡 Lighting & CO₂

Ludwigia palustris can adapt to low-tech setups, maintaining a attractive bronze to golden-green hue. However, moderate to high lighting is recommended to trigger intense red coloration and keep node spacing tight.

CO₂ injection is optional, but providing CO₂ along with liquid iron and micro supplementation will significantly boost growth speed, leaf size, and color vibrancy.

🪴 Planting & Maintenance

Plant individual stems into the substrate, leaving small gaps between them so light reaches the lower leaves. As stems reach the upper water column, trim the top sections and replant them directly into the soil to easily propagate new plants.

Frequent pruning prevents lower leaves from losing light access and helps maintain your desired aquascape shape.

🌿 Best Use

Ludwigia palustris is an excellent midground to background stem plant for nature aquascapes, Dutch layouts, and beginner-friendly setups.

Its warm, reddish foliage provides a natural visual contrast when placed next to bright green stem plants, dark wood, or background mosses.

✨ Plant Profile

Difficulty: Easy

Growth Rate: Medium to Fast

Lighting: Medium to High

CO₂: Optional

Temperature: 18–28°C

Placement: Midground to Background

Growth Type: Stem Plant

Propagation: Stem Cuttings