Care Guide
Family Name: Onagraceae
Ludwigia Ovalis
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Moderate to High
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Form
Stem
Placement
Midground with trimming to keep it from getting to tall is best
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Bunch
About This Plant
Ludwigia ovalis is a fairly new Ludwigia to the hobby. Unlike most of those popular with aquarists it has alternate leaves rather than opposite leaves. The a lovely orangey-red color is unusual in the aquarium too, making it a very nice contrast to other available red plants. While it appreciates good care, it is not as fussy as some red plants, and can be kept without supplemental CO2 by a careful aquarist.
About the Ludwigia Genus
Family — Onagraceae
Ludwigia are red-to-orange stem plants in the Onagraceae family. Strong light and CO2 deepen their color, but most species also do well as bushy green stems in moderate-light tanks. They propagate easily from cuttings.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Family Name: Onagraceae
- Scientific name
- Ludwigia Ovalis
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Native to
- Eastern Asia
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Requirements
- CO2 is helpful, but not strictly required, but good nutrition is a must.
- Lighting
- Moderate to High
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Growth form
- Stem
- Placement
- Midground with trimming to keep it from getting to tall is best
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Bunch
Difficulty — Intermediate
Grows reliably in moderate-tech tanks. Benefits from steady fertilization and adequate light, but does not require CO2 to survive.
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 supplementation is recommended for best growth and color. Liquid carbon (Easy Carbon, Excel) is a workable substitute, though pressurized CO2 produces the strongest results.
Tank Size & Setup
Best in tanks 20 gallons or larger so background stems have room to grow up and be trimmed without overtaking the foreground.
Aquascaping & Placement
Place in the midground between foreground carpets and tall background stems. The structure adds visual depth and shelters small fish and shrimp. Trim and replant the tops every 3-4 weeks. The new growth tips hold the best color and form, while lower stems eventually need replacing.
Tank-Mate Compatibility
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Pro Tips for Growing Family Name: Onagraceae
- 1Cut and replant the tops every few weeks — the new growth holds the best red tones.
- 2Iron-rich liquid ferts and lean nitrate intensify red coloration in Ludwigia.
Common Care Issues
Slow initial growth
Most aquarium plants pause for 2-4 weeks after planting while they convert from their nursery-grown emersed form to fully submerged growth. New leaves that emerge underwater will look thinner and slightly different — this is the plant adapting, not a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Family Name: Onagraceae need?
Family Name: Onagraceae (Ludwigia Ovalis) prefers moderate to high lighting. A standard planted-tank LED fixture run 7-9 hours a day is typical.
Does Family Name: Onagraceae need CO2?
CO2 supplementation is recommended for best growth and color. Liquid carbon (Easy Carbon, Excel) is a workable substitute, though pressurized CO2 produces the strongest results.
Is Family Name: Onagraceae good for beginners?
Family Name: Onagraceae is rated intermediate-level. Grows reliably in moderate-tech tanks. Benefits from steady fertilization and adequate light, but does not require CO2 to survive.
How fast does Family Name: Onagraceae grow?
Growth rate is moderate. Most aquarists trim every 3-4 weeks under standard conditions.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Family Name: Onagraceae?
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Available to Purchase
Family Name: Onagraceae — $19.99
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