Ludwigia helminthorrhiza

About this plant

Ludwigia helminthorrhiza is a fast-growing floating plant from tropical America with long, branching stems and a distinctive root system. Its floating leaves can develop green to reddish tones, while white, spongy breathing structures form along the stems and give the plant an appearance unlike other Ludwigia species. Strong light is essential for compact growth and richer colour. The plant needs considerable surface space, making it better suited to open aquariums, paludariums and shallow displays than to densely covered community tanks. Growth becomes especially vigorous when the stems can root in a nutrient-rich substrate. Pruning is therefore a regular part of its care. Healthy stem sections can be propagated as cuttings or allowed to separate naturally through fragmentation. Ludwigia helminthorrhiza is best used as a striking floating feature rather than a conventional upright background plant.