Ludwigia Senegalensis

Plant Profile

Meet Ludwigia Senegalensis, a rare aquatic stem plant that looks like it was painted, not grown. Oval, slightly reflexed leaves show off an intricate, lattice-like mosaic of brick-red, copper, and orange marbling over a golden-green base, giving it a leaf pattern unlike almost anything else in the hobby. Because it's tough to find commercially, experienced hobbyists chase it down specifically to build an unforgettable centerpiece or midground Dutch street, planting it in dense, well-lit groups where that lattice detail really gets to shine.

*Form Notice: Photos display this plant in both its emersed (above-water) and submerged forms. Depending on nursery availability and seasonality, you may receive this plant in either form. Learn more about what to expect by reading our guide on Emersed vs. Submerged-Grown Aquatic Plants.

Key Features & Benefits

• Lattice-like leaf pattern in brick-red, copper, and golden orange.
• Rare African species with standout leaf architecture for midground zones.
• Compact growth, ideal for high-contrast focal points and Dutch-style streets.

Care & Planting Instructions

• Remove lead weight (or pot) and cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the roots, then strip lower foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting. *Ludwigia stems can be fragile, so handle with care during preparation.
• Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into substrate, spacing them slightly apart so light reaches lower growth.
• Provide high-intensity lighting. Pressurized CO2 injection and regular liquid nutrient dosing, especially iron and micronutrients, are strongly recommended to prevent leaf decay and bring out intense red vein marbling. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants.
• Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden environmental shifts to prevent leaf melt or stem rotting.
• Trim main stem tops with straight scissors once stems reach the desired height, and replant trimmings directly into substrate to propagate and expand your bush. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.

Quick Facts

Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants?

Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining strong light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy.

2. How do I bring out the intricate red leaf pattern on Ludwigia Senegalensis?

Achieving distinct, brick-red patterned foliage on Ludwigia Senegalensis requires high light intensity, pressurized CO2, nutrient-rich soil, and regular supplementation of liquid micronutrients, particularly iron! In low light, the pattern fades and stems become prone to melting.

3. How do I transition Ludwigia Senegalensis from emersed to submerged growth?

When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into rich substrate under good lighting and keep water parameters stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its land foliage and sprout soft, red-patterned underwater leaves. Once new shoots take root, trim away old lower growth to encourage dense branching.