Ludwigia Repens is a fascinating addition to any aquarium and is commonly referred to as the "chameleon plant." Underwater landscapes are given a dynamic visual element by this aquatic plant, whose colors can shift from green to deep red.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Ludwigia Repens is a well-liked option for novice and expert aquarists alike due to its low maintenance requirements. It adapts well to various environments and grows well in a range of water conditions.
Ludwigia Repens offers a flexible and visually appealing solution, whether your goal is to improve the aesthetics of your tank or give your fish a natural habitat.
| Feature | Description |
| Scientific Name | Ludwigia Repens |
| Common Name | Repens, Creeping Ludwigia |
| Color Variations | Green, Red, Bronze |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast |
| Light Requirements | Medium to High |
| Water Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| pH Range | 5.5-8.0 |
Spread
Ludwigia Repens is an internationalist. With the exception of Antarctica and Australia, it grows practically everywhere in the world. However, it was recently introduced to the green continent as an aquarium culture. It then established itself in the wild. The plant has selected the waters of Asia, Europe, North America, and North African regions as its natural habitat.
It is found in peat-silt areas of swamps and along the banks of small, slowly flowing freshwater reservoirs. It can grow both underwater and above ground. It is a sign of bottom sediments composed of peat and silt. Ludwigia Repens blends in well with the native biotopes. It poses no threat to the environment, in contrast to other introduced species.
Ludwigia Repens, also referred to as chameleon plants, are a versatile and striking addition to any aquarium because of their ability to change color dramatically depending on the water’s and light’s conditions. This hardy plant is a great option for novice and seasoned aquarium enthusiasts alike because it is not only low maintenance but also contributes significantly to the upkeep of a healthy aquarium ecosystem.
Growing and care
This lowly plant can tolerate large variations in temperature indicators and hydrochemical parameters because of its great adaptability. Ludwigia has two main preferences for an aquarium setup: clean water and well-lit aquarium.
Generally advised actions for care:
- Ludwigia Creeping can be grown in a tropical aquarium of any capacity.
- The water column level in the tank should be no more than 50 cm.
- It is advisable to place this background plant in the background or along the side walls.
- When the stems reach the water surface, they must be cut off at 1/2 the height of the plant and planted in the substrate next to the mother bush.
- There is no adaptation period when moving from a paludarium to an aquarium. The plant quickly adapts to new conditions.
- Overgrown with algae, Ludwigia sheds its leaves. Therefore, you should regularly refresh the water in the aquarium and install a filtration system.
Much like the majority of members of the Ludwood family, this species has many branches. A lush, ornamental bush is even formed by multiple shoots.
Optimal water indicators
The aquatic environment’s stiffness or active reaction have no bearing on the growth of creeping ludge. However, the plant dislikes acidic soil and cannot withstand high nitrogen concentrations.
When the weather is uncomfortable, the stem rotates at the rhizome and leaves drop from the lower portion of the bush.
It is consequently freed from the roots and is free to roam the aquarium. Ludwigia is able to escape the area of the water where growth conditions were unfavorable thanks to this focus.
Suggested hydrochemical parameters:
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General stiffness-2-12 ° dgh.
Internodes become stretched when temperature indicators rise above 26 °C, which has a detrimental effect on aesthetic qualities.
Replace half of the water from the total volume once a week. If not, the turbidity will accumulate on the leaf blades and cause a reduction in their elasticity. Furthermore, the plant sheds its leaves in response to the suspended matter in the aquarium.
Lighting requirements
Ludwigia Creeping adores luminosity. Fluorescent lights with a 0.5 W/l power can be installed to create artificial lighting.
Reference books written for aquarists often suggest a 12-hour daylight cycle. However, in this instance, there’s a chance that the algae will overgrow the leaf blades.
The ideal time frame is ten hours. When there is not enough light, the stems elongate and the lower portion of the leaf blades lose their reddish hue.
More carbon dioxide available to the plants speeds up their growth, which enhances their beauty.
Soil quality
In rich soil, Ludwigia feels at ease. The soil’s natural silting will suffice if the aquarium is not brand-new. If not, more feeding of the substrate is required.
Need for feeding
- The plant responds well to mineral supplements. This is especially true for iron-containing preparations.
- You can use both divalent and trivalent iron in the form of soluble or insoluble salts in water.
- At the same time, do not forget about chelators.
- Fertilizers can be applied either under the roots or added in liquid form to water.
Features of reproduction
You will not be able to grow a new plant from seed at home. However, Ludwigia creeper reproduces effectively through stem division. It adapts well to transplantation; cuttings take root and produce lateral shoots very quickly. It is necessary to separate 10 cm fragments that have at least five pairs of leaf blades on them.
A captivating plant that gives any aquarium a dynamic touch is Ludwigia Repens. Because of its color-changing properties in response to light and nutrients, aquarists who like to create vivid underwater landscapes find it to be a favorite.
Due to its low maintenance requirements, this plant is appropriate for both novice and seasoned hobbyists. Ludwigia Repens is a flexible solution that can be used to improve the aesthetics of your tank or to give your fish a healthy habitat.
You can take advantage of this chameleon plant’s beauty and benefits and turn your aquarium into an underwater paradise by learning about its basic care requirements.
