Plant comparison
Ludwigia Palustris vs Ludwigia 'Super Red'
How the Ludwigia Palustris and Ludwigia 'Super Red' compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Ludwigia Palustris vs Ludwigia 'Super Red'
The Ludwigia Palustris and the Ludwigia 'Super Red' 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 20 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, 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 'Super Red' rewards a bit more attention. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Ludwigia 'Super Red' is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Ludwigia Palustris18–28 °C
- Ludwigia 'Super Red'20–28 °C
pH
- Ludwigia Palustris5.5–8
- Ludwigia 'Super Red'5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Ludwigia Palustris3–15 dGH
- Ludwigia 'Super Red'2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantLudwigia PalustrisLudwigia palustris |  PlantLudwigia 'Super Red'Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red' |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Cosmopolitan (Europe, Americas, Asia) | Selectively bred from L. palustris (global temperate) |
| Family | Onagraceae | Onagraceae |
| Temperature | 18–28 °C | 20–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–8.0 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 3–15 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 20–40 cm | 15–40 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Medium to High | Low to High |
| CO₂ | Recommended | Optional to Recommended |
| Growth rate | Fast | Medium |
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 'Super Red' together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, 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 'Super Red'?
The Ludwigia Palustris is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Ludwigia 'Super Red' leans beginner-friendly.
Do Ludwigia Palustris and Ludwigia 'Super Red' need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5 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 'Super Red'?
Placement and light. The Ludwigia Palustris works as background, the Ludwigia 'Super Red' as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.