Plant comparison
Ludwigia Palustris vs Ludwigia Repens
How the Ludwigia Palustris and Ludwigia Repens compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Ludwigia Palustris vs Ludwigia Repens
The Ludwigia Palustris and the Ludwigia Repens are close cousins, both in the Ludwigia group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 18 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 8, so a single tank can suit either one. The Ludwigia Palustris is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Ludwigia Repens rewards a bit more attention. Read the full care notes on each below and pick the one whose look and pace fit the tank you're building.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Ludwigia Palustris18–28 °C
- Ludwigia Repens18–28 °C
pH
- Ludwigia Palustris5.5–8
- Ludwigia Repens5.5–8
Hardness
- Ludwigia Palustris3–15 dGH
- Ludwigia Repens3–18 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantLudwigia PalustrisLudwigia palustris |  PlantLudwigia RepensLudwigia repens |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Cosmopolitan (Europe, Americas, Asia) | Central America to southern USA |
| Family | Onagraceae | Onagraceae |
| Temperature | 18–28 °C | 18–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–8.0 | 5.5–8.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 3–15 | 3–18 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 20–40 cm | 25–50 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Medium to High | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | Recommended | Optional |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Ludwigia Palustris and Ludwigia Repens together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 18 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 8, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Ludwigia Palustris or the Ludwigia Repens?
The Ludwigia Palustris is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Ludwigia Repens leans beginner-friendly.
Do Ludwigia Palustris and Ludwigia Repens need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 18 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 8 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Ludwigia Palustris and the Ludwigia Repens?
Placement and light. The Ludwigia Palustris works as background, the Ludwigia Repens as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.