Ludwigia peruensis, commonly called Ludwigia Glandulosa, is a great plant to include in the freshwater aquarium.
Its unique, vibrant colors combined with easy care make it an ideal aquatic stem plant for any aquarium hobbyist.
Ludwigia peruensis comes in a variety of colors including bright reds and deep pinks and is a favorite for adding contrast to green aquariums.
This plant is low-light friendly and is suitable for a variety of aquarium types, making it great for beginners.
Quick Stats:
Scientific Name: Ludwigia Glandulosa
Family: Onagraceae
Common Names: Ludwigia peruensis, Peruensis
Habitat: Pond, River
Height: Up to 20 inches
pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 68°F to 86°F
What Is Ludwigia Glandulosa?
Ludwigia peruensis is an aquatic stem plant with bright red and pink leaves that is native to many tropical regions around the world.
It is a member of the Onagraceae family and it is also referred to as Peruensis.
This species can grow in clumps up to 20 inches tall but can be kept smaller with regular pruning in an aquarium environment.
Ludwigia Glandulosa Facts
Ludwigia peruensis is a common choice among aquarium hobbyists for its bright and vibrant colors, which can range from bright red to deep pink and everything in between.
Additionally, the leaves contain glands that produce a chemical, which acts as a deterrent to some types of algae growth.
Description
Ludwigia peruensis has very distinctively colored leaves, which can range from bright red to deep pink, depending on the conditions of the environment.
Its leaves appear smooth and elliptical, and the leaves have small cup–like structures that give the plant an interesting layered look.
Habitat
Ludwigia peruensis is endemic to many tropical regions, in particular Asia, Africa, and South America.
In the wild, it can be found in areas such as ponds, rivers, and streams with a soft, sandy substrate.
It can tolerate temperatures of up to 78°F but does prefer temperatures that remain between 68°F and 78°F.
pH Preference
Ludwigia peruensis prefers a pH that remains between 6.5 and 7.5. The best way to achieve this is to use a tool such as an aquarium water test kit, to make sure the aquarium is properly maintained.
Also, this plant is tolerant to moderately hard water, but it is important to not allow it to become too hardened.
Vivarium Type
Ludwigia Glandulosa is quite an easy-going species. With that in mind, it will not be too complicated when it comes to choosing the type of enclosure it is grown in. It is best to try and replicate the plant’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Doing so will make it easier to provide this foliage plant with its basic needs. The proper setup and theme of the enclosure will make a big difference to the overall look and health of the plant. Be sure to choose setups that are moist and high in humidity.
Here are recommended vivariums it will do well in:
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- Paludariums – Half aquatic/ half terrain-based enclosure.
- Ripariums – Mostly aquatic-based enclosures with some terrain features present.
- Aquariums – Fully aquatic-based enclosure with little to no dry terrain.
Vivarium Placement
Ludwigia peruensis is usually placed in the middle or at the back of an aquarium.
It is important to make sure it is not in an area of the tank that has too much direct sunlight, as the leaves may burn and cause the plant to die.
This species of Ludwigia can thrive fully submerged in the water.
Substrate
Ludwigia peruensis does best in a substrate that has been made from sand or soil.
It is important that the aquatic substrate is not too thick or too loose, as it will not be able to properly absorb nutrients from the water.
If possible, it is also best to avoid using substrates with added fertilizers, as this can potentially cause an imbalance in the water chemistry.
Lighting
Ludwigia peruensis prefers moderate to bright aquatic lighting while avoiding direct sunlight.
Lighting must also remain consistent, with no drastic changes in exposure, as this can cause the plant to become stressed and die. Recommended bulbs range from 6500K to 10,000K.
Buy Ludwigia Glandulosa
When buying Ludwigia Glandulosa, there are a few things to keep in mind. Making sure the plant is healthy when purchased is essential for its success in a vivarium or pond. Vegetation that is already in poor conditions will have a very hard time adjusting to new environments.
Click the image below to learn more about the current price and other relative info about this plant.
Ludwigia Glandulosa Care & Propagation
Ludwigia peruensis is propagated either through the separation of individual clumps of plants, cutting the roots, or planting seeds in the substrate.
When cutting the roots, it is important to make sure the new piece has a nice root system so it can begin taking in nutrients from the water immediately.
If possible, fertilizers should be added to the water to help promote growth, as well as regular trimming.
How To Grow
When planting Ludwigia peruensis in an aquarium, it is essential to make sure the substrate is soft and not too thick.
The plant should then be gently placed in the substrate and the roots gently buried.
It is also beneficial to add nutrient–rich fertilizers to the water to help promote growth.
Ludwigia peruensis should be placed in an area where it can receive moderate to bright lighting consistently while avoiding direct sunlight.
Water Requirements
Ludwigia peruensis enjoys being kept in a moist environment but should not be kept in standing water.
This can cause the roots to become waterlogged and die. Regular water changes help to keep the aquarium healthy and help the plant to absorb nutrients.
It is also important to make sure the water is at the correct pH levels for the plant’s optimum growth.
Plants Similar To Ludwigia Glandulosa
Adding diversity to an enclosure is key to an aesthetically pleasing setup. Try mixing up the look of your vivarium with different flora that can easily co-exist in the same types of environment.
Furthermore, if for some reason you find Ludwigia Glandulosa hard to acquire or would like to consider something similar to this aquarium plant… Here are other stem plants you might find will do well with or in place of Ludwigia peruensis:
Conclusion
Ludwigia peruensis is a great aquatic stem plant to include in an aquarium. It is easy to care for and adds a unique, vibrant color to the aquarium.
Its leaves contain glands that produce a chemical to deter algae growth, which is a great bonus for aquariums kept in bright lighting.
It does best when planted in a substrate of sand or soil and provided with nutrient–rich fertilizers and regular water changes to help it thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ludwigia glandulosa is a tropical aquatic plant that requires warm temperatures of at least 68–86°F, medium to high lighting, and nutrient–rich water with a pH of 6.5–7.5. It also needs weekly partial water changes with adequate CO2 levels.
Yes, Ludwigia glandulosa requires carbon dioxide (CO2) for proper growth and health. Without CO2, the plant will suffer from slowed growth and eventually die. CO2 can be supplied from pressurized or “DIY“ systems and helps increase the rate of photosynthesis.