Ludwigia Senegalensis [Tc]

Ludwigia Senegalensis comes from African where it is widespread. It first entered the hobby under the name Ludwigia ‘Guinea’, and has since become popular in the hobby due to its distinctive red leaves.

It is a small sized stem plant with reddish leaves that have a distinct red web pattern when grown in optimal conditions. Ludwigia senegalensis is most suitable for use in the mid-ground – it does not grow compact enough to be a good background plant while being a bit too tall for foreground usage.

Ludwigia senegalensis shows a range of growth forms depending on growth conditions in the tank. In poor lighting the leaves will grow more green with less even redness. In high lighting (with higher red spectrum) the red portion will cover the entire leaf surface except for a center line. In lean conditions the leaf sizes will be smaller with thinner stems. In richer conditions, the plant grows larger, fuller leaves. This size comparison is easily seen the leaf vs stem size – in lean conditions, the stems will look very thick compared to the leaves. This plant responds very well to substrate feeding – having ammonia in the rootzone is an easy way to grow fat leaves in this plant.

This plant is not super demanding with regards to CO2. It can grow very slowly in low tech tanks if the tank temperature is low (< 22 celsius). As with most plants it prefers at least some CO2 – and injected levels should be kept stable. Sudden dips can stunt it. Poor fertilization calibration (poor trace mixture or excessively heavy dosing) can also easily stunt the tips; you will notice this symptom as very dark colored, stunted leaf tips.

Ludwigia senegalensis prefers slightly softer water but it is not a strict requirement for growing this plant.