Ludwigia glandulosa

North American Ludwigia glandulosa is a stunning water plant. It grows slowly and requires the addition of CO2 to thrive. The stems grow to be 15-40 cm tall and 5-12 cm wide. If not enough light is provided, the leaves turn greener and the lower ones may fall off. Ludwigia perennis was the previous name for this plant.

Ludwigia glandulosa is one of the most colourful aquarium plants, but it is also one of the most demanding. It develops magnificent wine-red leaves under favourable conditions – strong lighting, good CO2 supply, nutrient-rich substrate, temperatures not permanently above 25 °C. This Ludwigia species is found in southeastern North American wetlands. In trade, it is frequently mislabeled as “Ludwigia perennis” or “Ludwigia peruensis.” It works best as a freestanding group of stems of varying lengths in the middleground. It grows upright, little branched, strong submerged stems densely set with narrow, lanceolate leaves, unlike other Ludwigias. Ludwigia glandulosa is an excellent accent plant due to its striking coloration. Ludwigia glandulosa (ssp. glandulosa and ssp. brachycarpa) is a cylindric-fruited primrose willow found in most of the southeastern United States. To the north, its range extends into Illinois and Indiana. It prefers wetlands, but it will also live in wet road ditches. Despite its widespread distribution, Indiana and Louisiana consider it endangered to critically endangered.
It is frequently found in the trade under the incorrect name “Ludwigia perennis,” which is not a synonym for L. glandulosa but the name of another species found in Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is also commonly sold under the trade name “Ludwigia peruensis,” which is obviously derived from “perennis.”

Ludwigia glandulosa has alternate lanceolate leaves (1 leaf per node). Submerged stems grow strictly upright and rarely ramify, whereas the land form grows creeping runners as well as upright, ramified shoots up to 80 cm tall. During the summer (or with long-interval lighting), they develop inconspicuous green, petalless flowers in their axils.

Ludwigia glandulosa is difficult to cultivate. If the light is not intense enough, the leaves turn green and then fall off. Even in bright light, the plant sheds its lower leaves. This plant requires a good micronutrient supply, as well as enough iron and very bright light.
Ludwigia glandulosa has no additional high requirements if these conditions are met. It does not require particularly high levels of nitrate or phosphate; however, these macronutrients must be present. It grows very well when the NO3 concentration is 5-25 mg/l and the PO4 concentration is 0.1-3 mg/l, according to experience. L. glandulosa, unlike many other red-leaved plants, does not require low levels of nitrate to maintain its reddish colour.

Unlike other Ludwigia species, L. glandulosa ramifies very little when submerged. It grows straight to the water’s surface and beyond, with no lateral shoots. To induce their formation, the central shoot must be severed.

Because of its vibrant colour, L. glandulosa is an excellent accent plant for aquaria. The vibrant reddish-purple colour of the leaves draws attention. Its slow growth rate and upright habit make it ideal for so-called plant roads in Dutch tanks.

Overview: Ludwigia glandulosa is a beautiful perennial aquatic plant native to North America that grows as herbs or forbs. The red stems and green leaves with hints of orange, red, and purple add a splash of colour to the tank. It is one of those plants that enhances the overall beauty and appearance of an aquarium. Ludwigia glandulosa, on the other hand, is a demanding plant that can only thrive in favourable conditions. In the trade, this plant is commonly referred to as “Ludwigia perennis” or “Ludwigia peruensis.” It is from the Onagraceae family and grows partially or completely submerged. As a result, it is classified as an amphibious plant.

When growing conditions are favourable, L. glandulosa can reach a height of one foot. The stem is 12 to 15 centimetres wide. When the leaves receive enough light, they turn red or purple. They have an oval shape and a pointed tip. The leaves grow alternately in pairs along the stem. The plant looks best when planted in groups rather than alone. The plant’s growth rate is slow to moderate. The plant’s best feature is that you can keep the foliage green or colour it differently depending on the amount of light it receives. While moderate light retains the green colour, increased light intensity brings out red and purple hues.

Plant hardness: It is a hard plant.

Ideal water temperature: The ideal temperature range is 20 to 27 degrees Celsius, where the plant grows well and flourishes, completely enhancing the appearance of the tank.

Lighting requirements: Ludwigia glandulosa is a demanding aquarium plant that requires a high intensity of light to show its true colours. Low-intensity light fades the colour of the leaves. Plants grow slowly, and the lower leaves begin to fall off before the entire plant dies. As a result, one of the most important requirements for Ludwigia glandulosa is light.

Ideal pH: The plant thrives best when the pH is between 6-7.5.

How do you look after your Ludwigia Glandulosa?
Ludwigia glandulosa is difficult to cultivate. If the light is not intense enough, the leaves turn green and then fall off. Even in bright light, the plant sheds its lower leaves. This plant requires a good micronutrient supply, as well as enough iron and very bright light.

Is CO2 required for Ludwigia Glandulosa?
North American Ludwigia glandulosa is a stunning water plant. It grows slowly and requires the addition of CO2 to thrive. The stems grow to be 15-40 cm tall and 5-12 cm wide. If not enough light is provided, the leaves turn greener and the lower ones may fall off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zESILxADqYQ