Marsh Seedbox, Red Ludwigia

ludwigia palustris

Also known as: ["Water Primrose","Red Water Primrose"]

Family: Onagraceae Genus: Ludwigia Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial aquatic or semi-aquatic plant with vibrant red stems and small yellow flowers, often found in marshy areas or used in aquariums.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Myrtales
Family: Onagraceae
Genus: Ludwigia
Botanical Name: Ludwigia palustris

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: Wetland gardens, boggy areas, or shallow water gardens
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–10"}
  • Misting: Not typically required unless grown in very dry indoor conditions
  • Drainage: Well-draining
  • Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining potting mix with organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks or as needed
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

Partial shade to full shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, watering every 2–3 days or as needed to prevent drying out

Maintain consistent moisture; avoid waterlogging; water when top inch of soil feels dry.

Soil

Moist, nutrient-rich loam or peat-based soil

pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use a mix with good drainage; amend with organic matter for fertility.

Temperature

Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C). Tolerates a range of 50–85°F (10–29°C) but thrives in moderate temperatures.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain moderate indoor temps.

Fertilizing

Every 4–6 weeks during growing season with liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in medium.
  4. Keep moist.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light

Medium

Moist potting mix or water

Hormone

Optional, but can speed up rooting

Timeline

Roots develop in 1–3 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jar

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide warmth for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back stems or trim selectively to shape the plant.

Pruning Plan

Regular pruning to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or leggy growth.

Tools

Clean scissors or pruners

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune dead or yellowing leaves; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins

Pot Size

One size up from current pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter)

Method

Gently remove plant; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture daily; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution. Avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist, especially during active growth. Reduce frequency in winter but do not allow soil to dry out completely.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; protect from frost.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor due to excessive heat and dryness.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season; avoid over-fertilizing.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Reduce or stop in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Ludwigia palustris can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a response to environmental stressors like excessive light or poor water conditions.

Wilting in Ludwigia palustris is often a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient water uptake or root damage, which can compromise the plant's ability to maintain turgor pressure.

Leaf spots on Ludwigia palustris may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to unsightly blemishes and potentially weakening the plant if severe.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Ludwigia palustris if the plant is overwatered or if there is poor drainage, leading to decay of the root system and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Ludwigia palustris is not toxic to cats. No toxic effects have been reported in felines after ingestion of this plant.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion in large amounts may lead to mild digestive discomfort. Monitor pets if they consume the plant in significant quantities.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Ludwigia palustris is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion of this plant by canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Although non-toxic, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous nature.
Humans
Non-toxic

Ludwigia palustris, commonly known as marsh purslane, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is not typically consumed as a food source and should not be ingested in large amounts without proper botanical consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ludwigia palustris safe for aquariums?

A: Yes, it is commonly used in aquariums due to its vibrant color and ease of care.

Q: Does Ludwigia palustris require full sun?

A: It thrives in partial to full sun but can tolerate some shade.

Q: Is Ludwigia palustris toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Quick Reference
Family: Onagraceae
Care: easy
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Keep soil consistently moist,
Suitable For: ["beginners","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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