Ludwigia repens ‘Rubin’ – Red Aquarium Stem Plant

Ludwigia repens ‘Rubin’ is a striking red freshwater stem plant prized for its deep red leaves and stems. It is an excellent choice for adding strong colour contrast to planted aquariums and aquascapes dominated by green plants.

Despite its rich colour, ‘Rubin’ is relatively easy to grow. It has a moderate light requirement and does not require injected CO2, making it suitable for both lower-tech planted aquariums and more advanced aquascapes.

Under good lighting, healthy plants can develop rich red to dark red foliage. In lower light the colour may be less intense and the lower leaves can begin to drop, so adequate aquarium lighting is important if you want the plant to look its best.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Ludwigia repens ‘Rubin’
• Common Name: Ludwigia Rubin
• Plant Type: Stem plant
• Care Level: Easy
• Growth Rate: Medium
• Placement: Midground to Background
• Height: Approximately 20–50cm
• Width: Approximately 4–6cm per stem/group
• Lighting: Medium, with stronger light improving red colour
• Temperature: Approximately 20–28°C
• pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• CO2: Not essential; low CO2 demand
• Propagation: Stem cuttings
• Origin: North American Ludwigia repens cultivar

Deep Red Colour for Planted Aquariums

Ludwigia repens ‘Rubin’ is particularly useful when you want to introduce a strong splash of red without choosing an extremely demanding aquarium plant.

Its leaves and stems can develop rich red, burgundy and dark ruby tones that create a striking contrast against green aquarium plants.

Colour intensity depends heavily on growing conditions. Good lighting is particularly important, with stronger light generally producing deeper and more intense red colouration.

Lighting Requirements

‘Rubin’ has a medium light requirement and can grow successfully under many quality aquarium LED lights.

Under stronger lighting the plant generally develops more compact growth and richer red colour. If lighting is too weak, stems may become more stretched and the lower leaves can begin to fall away.

Increasing light should always be balanced with suitable nutrients, CO2 availability and aquarium maintenance. Excessive light without balanced plant growth can encourage algae.

Does Ludwigia repens ‘Rubin’ Need CO2?

No. Injected CO2 is not essential for Ludwigia repens ‘Rubin’.

It has a relatively low CO2 demand and can grow successfully in many planted aquariums without a pressurised CO2 system.

Adding controlled CO2 can encourage faster, denser growth and may help the plant perform parti