Water Primrose

ludwigia octovalvis

Also known as: ["Yellow Water Primrose","Willow Primrose","Water Primrose"]

Family: Onagraceae Genus: Ludwigia Category: Flowers

Overview

A fast-growing, aquatic or semi-aquatic plant with bright yellow flowers, often found in wetlands and along waterways.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","fast growing"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny to partially shaded area
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size and shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; can handle significant trimming without harm.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, direct sunlight for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to direct sun gradually over a week. Protect from intense midday sun in summer to prevent scorching. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense summer sun; supplement with grow lights if indoors.

Watering

every 5–7 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; avoid letting the plant sit in water; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.

Soil

moist, fertile, well-draining soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions, 65–85°F (18–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but prefers stable warmth.

Avoid drafts; maintain stable temperatures; protect from sudden drops.

Fertilizing

every 2 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer, none required in winter

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings are the easiest and most reliable method.

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

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

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss, or plain water.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 1–3 weeks; new growth in 4–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), container, moist medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node to promote branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the main growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in fresh soil with good drainage; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot to prevent overcrowding.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

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

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution. Water deeply to encourage root growth, and always allow excess water to drain away. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

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

Water regularly during active growth, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold; bud drop in fluctuating temperatures.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of frost damage in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection if outdoors; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or drooping; may drop leaves to conserve water.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; water before feeding; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season. Reduce or stop in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Ludwigia octovalvis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Ludwigia octovalvis can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, impacting nutrient uptake and leading to reduced growth.

Leaf spots on Ludwigia octovalvis may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Ludwigia octovalvis if the soil is waterlogged, leading to decay of root systems and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Ludwigia octovalvis is not toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects on feline health from ingestion or contact with this plant.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are required for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Ludwigia octovalvis is not toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects on canine health from ingestion or contact with this plant.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are required for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Ludwigia octovalvis is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with its consumption or contact.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are required for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ludwigia octovalvis invasive?

A: Yes, it can be invasive in some regions, particularly in wetland ecosystems.

Q: Does it require full sun?

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

Q: Can it grow in containers?

A: Yes, it can be grown in containers with water or moist soil.

Quick Reference
Family: Onagraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 5–7 days, allowing soi
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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