Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red'

It reddens more intensely than the ordinary form of Ludwigia palustris, which in bright light is orange-red or light cherry. Underwater shoots are up to 6.5 cm wide; the leaves sit on fairly long petioles, the blades are 1.5–2.2 cm long and up to 1.6 cm wide, a leaf with its petiole is 2–3.3 cm; internodes are 1–2 cm. Height 20–50 cm, width 4–7 cm.

Not difficult, just as tolerant of conditions as Ludwigia repens and the ordinary Ludwigia palustris. Easy, growth fast, light medium to strong, CO₂ 20–40 mg/l.

The small leaves suit nano aquariums. It puts out many side shoots and grows bushy, and trimming makes it bush out more. A simple way to add an intensely red accent; it contrasts nicely with light-green bushy small-leaved plants such as Bacopa australis. Red accent, background and midground, a Dutch-style street.

Sold as Ludwigia sp. 'Red', 'Super Red' or simply Ludwigia sp. Its origin is unknown; it appears to come from nurseries in Southeast Asia. It resembles Ludwigia 'Rubin', whose leaves are noticeably larger and more elongated and partly alternate, whereas in 'Super Red' the leaves are always strictly paired; 'Rubin' is also sometimes sold as Ludwigia sp. 'Red' — confusion is possible.