Ludwigia senegalensis

Ludwigia Senegalese, scientific name Ludwigia senegalensis. The plant is native to the African continent. The natural habitat extends along the equatorial climatic zone from Senegal to Angola and Zambia. It occurs everywhere along the coastline of water bodies (lakes, swamps, rivers).

It first appeared in the hobby aquarium hobby in the early 2000s. However, at first it was supplied under the erroneous name Ludwigia guinea (Ludwigia sp. “Guinea”), which, however, managed to take root, therefore, can be considered as a synonym.

Ludwigia Senegalese is able to grow both under water and in the air on moist substrates. The most remarkable underwater form. The plant forms an upright strong stem with alternately arranged reddish leaves that have a mesh pattern of veins. In the surface position, the leaves acquire the usual green color, and the stem begins to spread along the surface of the soil.

Very demanding on growing conditions. It is important to provide high illumination and avoid placement in shaded areas of the aquarium. Too close relative position of sprouts can also lead to a lack of light in the lower tier. Instead of regular soil, it is advisable to use special aquarium soil rich in nutrients. The plant shows its best colors when the level of nitrates and phosphates is not lower than 20 mg/l and 2–3 mg/l, respectively. Soft water has been shown to be more growth-promoting than hard water.

The growth rate is average even in favorable conditions, but the side shoots develop intensively. Like all stem plants, it is enough to separate the young sprout, plant it in the soil, and soon it will give roots.