Plant comparison
Ludwigia Repens vs Ludwigia 'Super Red'
How the Ludwigia Repens and Ludwigia 'Super Red' compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Ludwigia Repens vs Ludwigia 'Super Red'
The Ludwigia Repens 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. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. 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 Repens18–28 °C
- Ludwigia 'Super Red'20–28 °C
pH
- Ludwigia Repens5.5–8
- Ludwigia 'Super Red'5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Ludwigia Repens3–18 dGH
- Ludwigia 'Super Red'2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantLudwigia RepensLudwigia repens |  PlantLudwigia 'Super Red'Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red' |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Central America to southern USA | 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) | 3–18 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 25–50 cm | 15–40 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Medium to High | Low to High |
| CO₂ | Optional | 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 Repens 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 Repens or the Ludwigia 'Super Red'?
They sit at the same care level, both beginner-friendly, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Ludwigia Repens 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 Repens and the Ludwigia 'Super Red'?
Placement and light. The Ludwigia Repens works as midground or background, the Ludwigia 'Super Red' as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.