Ludwigia palustris Super Red – Easy Red Aquarium Stem Plant
Ludwigia palustris Super Red is one of the most popular red stem plants in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Known for its bold red coloration, compact upright growth, and relatively easy care, this plant is a great choice for aquarists who want bright color without the difficulty of more demanding red aquarium plants.
Unlike many red plants that only show color near the tips, Ludwigia palustris Super Red can maintain strong red tones throughout the plant when provided with good lighting and steady nutrients. It works beautifully as a midground or background accent and can be trimmed and replanted to create dense, colorful clusters in planted aquariums.
Key Features
- Deep red aquarium stem plant
- One of the easier red plants to grow
- Compact upright stem growth
- Great for midground or background placement
- Can be trimmed and replanted for bushier growth
- Adds bold contrast against green aquarium plants
Plant Care Information
- Scientific Name: Ludwigia palustris ‘Super Red’
- Common Name: Ludwigia Super Red, Super Red Ludwigia
- Plant Type: Stem aquarium plant
- Placement: Midground to background
- Lighting: Low to moderate; stronger light improves red coloration
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.8
- Hardness: Soft to moderate
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Care Level: Easy
- CO2: Not required; optional for denser growth
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate recommended
Tank Placement
Ludwigia palustris Super Red works best as a midground or background stem plant in freshwater planted aquariums. Plant stems individually with slight spacing between each stem so light can reach the lower leaves and encourage healthier, fuller growth.
Its deep red coloration looks especially striking when planted near bright green stem plants, carpeting plants, driftwood, or natural stone. It is an excellent accent plant for aquascapes that need bold color, contrast, and visual depth.
Lighting, CO2 & Nutrients
Ludwigia palustris Super Red is easier to grow than many red aquarium plants and can show good color under moderate lighting. Stronger lighting can help intensify the red tones and encourage more compact growth.
CO2 is not required, but optional CO2 can improve growth speed, stem density, and overall plant health. This plant also benefits from consistent liquid fertilization, including balanced macro and micronutrients, to support strong color and steady growth.
Trimming & Propagation
Trim Ludwigia palustris Super Red regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Healthy stem tops can be replanted directly into the substrate to create fuller clusters or expand the plant into other areas of the aquarium.
Regular trimming helps prevent legginess, keeps lower leaves from becoming shaded, and encourages dense new growth. Replanting cuttings is one of the easiest ways to build a thicker red plant grouping over time.
Best Uses in Aquariums
- Colorful freshwater planted aquariums
- Midground to background planting
- Red accent or contrast planting
- Beginner-friendly red plant layouts
- Low-tech and high-tech planted tanks
- Dutch-style aquascapes
- Shrimp tanks and community aquariums
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ludwigia palustris Super Red beginner-friendly?
Yes. Ludwigia palustris Super Red is one of the easier red aquarium stem plants and is a great choice for beginners who want bold color in a planted tank.
Does Ludwigia palustris Super Red need CO2?
No. CO2 is not required, but optional CO2 can improve growth speed, density, and overall plant health.
How do I keep Ludwigia palustris Super Red bright red?
Moderate to strong lighting, consistent fertilization, and stable aquarium conditions help maintain vibrant red coloration. CO2 can also improve density and color.
How tall does Ludwigia palustris Super Red grow?
Ludwigia palustris Super Red typically grows around 10–20 inches tall depending on lighting, nutrients, CO2, trimming, and overall tank conditions.
Where should I place Ludwigia palustris Super Red in my aquarium?
It works best as a midground or background accent plant where its red stems can stand out against green plants and hardscape.
How do I propagate Ludwigia palustris Super Red?
Trim healthy stem tops and replant the cuttings directly into the substrate. The cuttings will continue growing and help create fuller plant clusters.
Is Ludwigia palustris Super Red safe for shrimp and fish?
Yes. Ludwigia palustris Super Red is safe for shrimp, snails, and peaceful freshwater fish. Dense growth can provide cover for fry, shrimp, and small fish.
Why is my Ludwigia palustris Super Red turning green?
Green or faded growth is usually caused by lower lighting, limited nutrients, shading, or unstable conditions. Stronger light and consistent fertilization can help improve red coloration.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Ludwigia palustris Super Red is a colorful red aquarium stem plant for aquarists looking to add bold color, contrast, and easy-care beauty to freshwater planted tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or shop online for live aquarium plants, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, and aquarium supplies.
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