Ludwigia Brevipes

As well as this species, it comes from wetlands of the Atlantic coastal plain in the southeastern USA. Ludwigia brevipes also resembles Ludwigia x lacustris but has smaller foliage.The submerged plant shows reddish to orange-brown tones especially under strong lighting while it is rather medium green with low light. It has a bushy growth habit due to many side shoots.

Cultivation is not overly difficult, but this narrow-leaf Ludwigia looks best with stronger lighting, a good micro- and macronutrient supply and CO₂ addition. Low nitrate levels together with relatively high phosphate levels enhance the reddish to orange-brown colour of the shoot tips. Its growth is relatively fast, and occasional trimming supports its bushy growth.

Ludwigia brevipes has the most effect when planted in a bush in the midground, also in the foreground when the aquarium is large enough. With its reddish tones, it contrasts especially well with freshly green plants such as Micranthemum umbrosum and Bacopa australis. This North American Ludwigia is also interesting for emersed setups such as paludariums and Wabi-Kusa. It grows creeping in its terrestrial form, developing a medium to dark green carpet with small light yellow flowers.