Does Ludwigia Repens need CO2?

Ludwigia Repens grows without CO2, but slower and less dense. Liquid carbon or injection makes the difference between a thin patch and a full carpet.

What light does Ludwigia Repens need?

Ludwigia Repens is a medium-light plant. Most modern aquarium LEDs cover this. Anything sold as planted-tank-ready works. The stock hood on a basic shop tank usually does not.

Is Ludwigia Repens safe for shrimp?

Yes. Ludwigia Repens is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.

Image: Wikimedia Commons — attribution available on this site.

Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.

easymedium lightCO2 helpfulmedium growthstem

Ludwigia Repens

Ludwigia repens

Also: Red Ludwigia, Creeping Primrose-Willow

Ludwigia repens is a colourful stem plant with green tops and deep red undersides. It is one of the easiest red plants available and does not require CO2 injection, though CO2 improves colour intensity significantly.

Evidence: verifiedConfidence: medium

Care at a glance

Difficultyeasy

Lightmedium

CO2Beneficial

FertiliserNot essential

Growth ratemedium

Max height50cm

Placementbackground

Min tank30L

Water parameters

Temperature20–27°C

pH6–8

Shrimp safeYes

Herbivore risklow

Propagationstem cuttings

Beginner guidance

Plant in small groups in nutrient substrate. Red colouring develops in high light; stays greener in low light. Easy to propagate from cuttings, trim and replant the tops.

Sources

Ludwigia repens. Wikipedia — North and Central American species; red colouration under high light; aquarium cultivation.
Ludwigia repens. Flowgrow — Light, CO₂, and nutrient requirements; trimming for bushy growth.

Fish whose water overlaps

Peaceful freshwater species with overlapping temperature and pH — still run a pair check for the real mix.

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Amazon Swordeasy · medium light · no CO2
Hornworteasy · low light · no CO2
Water Wisteriaeasy · medium light · no CO2

Plan the tank around this plant

Set a 30L+ footprint, then verify livestock before you buy Ludwigia Repens.

Open pair checker Tank builder

Tank hubs: 30L

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Common questions about Ludwigia Repens

Does Ludwigia Repens need CO2?: Ludwigia Repens grows without CO2, but slower and less dense. Liquid carbon or injection makes the difference between a thin patch and a full carpet.
What light does Ludwigia Repens need?: Ludwigia Repens is a medium-light plant. Most modern aquarium LEDs cover this. Anything sold as planted-tank-ready works. The stock hood on a basic shop tank usually does not.
Is Ludwigia Repens beginner-friendly?: Ludwigia Repens is rated easy for difficulty. Plant in small groups in nutrient substrate. Red colouring develops in high light; stays greener in low light. Easy to propagate from cuttings, trim and replant the tops.
Is Ludwigia Repens safe for shrimp?: Yes. Ludwigia Repens is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.