Hampshire-purslane

Unlike most red Ludwigia species, this one keeps its reddish tones even under moderate light — it does not need strong CO₂ and high-light intensity to colour up. Ludwigia palustris, known as Hampshire-purslane or marsh seedbox, is one of the most widespread aquatic plants in the world, found across North America, Europe, and Africa.

The leaves are oval and arranged in opposite pairs along a sturdy stem. The upper side is olive-green to reddish-brown depending on light, while the underside is a paler green. Under medium to high light the top leaves develop a noticeable red or bronze tint. The plant grows fast at 22 to 26 °C and adapts to a broad pH range of 5 to 8.

CO₂ injection is not essential but produces denser, more compact growth. Without CO₂ the stems grow faster but the internodes stretch, giving a leggier appearance. Regular trimming keeps the plant bushy — cut stems at the desired height and replant the trimmed tops in the same cluster.

It also grows emersed, producing small yellow flowers above the waterline. The emersed form has rounder, thicker leaves that differ noticeably from the submerged foliage. Propagation is reliable from cuttings and the plant recovers quickly from heavy trimming, making it a good beginner stem plant for low-tech tanks that want some red colour.