Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ludwigia Palustris
BeginnerLudwigia palustris
A hardy stem plant that turns red. Easy for beginners and perfect for adding color to aquariums.
About
Ludwigia palustris is a stem plant in the family Onagraceae, widely naturalized across Europe, North Africa, and North America where it inhabits ditches, marshes, and riparian margins. Its oval leaves transition from green to red depending on light intensity, and unlike many red aquatic plants it achieves some red coloration even without CO2 injection, making it one of the most accessible red species for beginners. Under high illumination with CO2 supplementation the coloration becomes markedly more vivid. Growth rate is relatively fast; dense backgrounds are achieved by replanting trimmed stems. Broad tolerance of pH and hardness reflects its cosmopolitan nature — in Europe it has naturalized so readily in waterways that its sheer vigor is legendary, a quality that translates directly to reliability in the aquarium.
Size of the Ludwigia Palustris
The Ludwigia Palustris grows to 15-40cm.
Basic Info
Origin
Europe, North Africa, and North America
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
15-40cm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Root tabs
Growing Tips
Lighting
Leaf colour shifts from green to red depending on light. Under high light the red is more vivid, so plant it in a bright background spot.
Notes
Reddens without CO2, but injection deepens the colour
CO2 & Fertilizer
Grow it primarily on substrate fertilizer. CO2 injection is not essential but helps when you want stronger colour.
Water Temperature & Quality
Highly adaptable to water conditions, tolerating a wide range of pH and hardness. It is vigorous enough to naturalize in waterways and wetlands.
Substrate & Attachment
Easiest to grow in aquarium soil. It grows both emersed and submersed, so it can be introduced even in its emersed form.
Trimming & Propagation
Growth is fairly fast; it tolerates trimming well and readily puts out side shoots. Replant cut stems to build a dense background.
Ludwigia Palustris FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Ludwigia Palustris?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Ludwigia Palustris get?
The mature size of Ludwigia Palustris is 15-40cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Ludwigia Palustris?
Ludwigia Palustris: watering & fertilizer — Root tabs. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Ludwigia Palustris?
The price of Ludwigia Palustris varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 25, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Domestic law: The second edition of the Ministry of the Environment / MAFF Invasive Alien Species List for ecosystem damage prevention (published 11 September 2026) lists marsh seedbox (Ludwigia palustris) as No. 83, a "priority control" alien species (防除推進外来種). If it invades areas important for biodiversity, such as national parks or habitats of endangered species, it is to be controlled. It is not a designated Invasive Alien Species, and growing or selling it is not legally restricted. Plants in cultivation are not subject to control, but do not discard them outdoors or let them escape with aquarium waste water or stem and leaf fragments (the list asks that listed species are never released into the wild). All species of the genus Ludwigia require a certificate identifying the species when imported into Japan (Invasive Alien Species Act, Art. 25). The related Ludwigia grandiflora (water primrose) is a designated Invasive Alien Species whose cultivation and sale are banned.
Sources: Ministry of the Environment Designated Invasive Species List (Invasive Species Act) / CITES Appendix II listed plant taxa (family and genus level)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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