Water Purslane
Ludwigia palustris
Palustris
About this plant
Water Purslane (Ludwigia palustris) is a low-growing, spreading aquatic plant often found in wetlands and shallow water. It has small, rounded leaves that can turn reddish in bright light. This plant is popular in aquariums and water gardens for ground cover and its attractive foliage. It helps stabilize soil and provides habitat for aquatic life.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Ludwigia
- Family
- Onagraceae
- Higher classification
- Order Myrtales
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- North America, Europe, Asia
- Distribution
- Widely distributed in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, commonly found in wetlands, ponds, and slow-moving waters.
Care
- Light preference
- Partial sun
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Frequent
- Watering interval
- 1–2 days
- Humidity
- High
- Minimum
- 5 °C
- Maximum
- 30 °C
- Optimal
- 15-25 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 5-10
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Soil type
- wet soil, aquatic substrate
Watering. Keep soil consistently wet or submerged in shallow water. Do not let the plant dry out. Regular watering is essential for healthy growth.
Fertilizing. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced aquatic plant fertilizer during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can promote algae growth.
Ludwigia palustris is a hardy aquatic or semi-aquatic plant that grows well in wet soils or shallow water. It prefers moderate light but can tolerate some shade. It requires regular watering or constant moisture and is generally low maintenance with few problems.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Division
- Care difficulty
- Easy
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- summer
Attractive small rounded leaves that may turn reddish in bright light; small yellow flowers in summer; spreading mat-like growth habit.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Low spread
Non-toxic to humans and pets, safe to grow around children and animals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Pollen
- Pollen level
- Low
Ludwigia palustris is not known to cause allergies. People sensitive to plant pollen generally do not react to this plant. It is safe to have around most individuals without concern for allergic reactions.
Common problems
If kept too dry, the plant may wilt or stop growing. Poor lighting can cause leggy growth. Overcrowding may lead to reduced vigor.
Uses
Used as an ornamental aquatic plant in water gardens and aquariums. Also helps stabilize soil in wet areas and provides habitat for aquatic creatures.
Notes
Prune regularly to prevent overcrowding and encourage bushier growth. Can be grown submerged or partially submerged. Repot or divide if it becomes too dense.