Ludwigia ovalis

Ludwigia ovalis stands out among Ludwigias for its noticeably broader, more rounded leaf shape, creating a different visual rhythm from the typical lance-leaved species. The leaves display green to olive hues under moderate light, shifting to attractive pink and red tones under high light with iron supplementation. It is moderately demanding and suits aquascapers looking for a visually distinct alternative to the more common red Ludwigia varieties.

Light: High (60–100 PAR); produces best pink-red colouration under intense light. CO2: Beneficial at 15–25 mg/L; optional but improves growth form and colour. Fertiliser: Regular micronutrients and iron; balanced NPK essential for sustained colour. Planting: Background groups of 3–5 stems; trim every 2 weeks and re-plant tops. Growth: Moderate; 20–40 cm; broad leaves make visual impact with fewer stems.