Ludwigia sedoides, commonly known as Mosaic Plant, Mosaic Flower, and False Loosestrife, is a herbaceous perennial plant of the family Onagraceae. It has yellow flowers that bloom from June to August.
This floating Ludwigia is native to Central and South America, where it grows in stagnant waters and in sections of riverine environments free of current. It is a very common pond plant in warm climates and in conservatory ponds. However, cultivation in an aquarium is a bit more complicated.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Above all else, this floating stem plant requires light. Even values in the higher range of what is possible over a planted aquarium are often not enough. Outdoor culture in a well-lit pond or tub is sometimes the only way to achieve satisfactory growth with this species. Heavy fertilization with macronutrients and micronutrients is essential (provided sufficient light is available) to achieve attractive growth. Yellow flowers form on the floating rosettes when the plant grows well.
Winter hardy to USDA Zone 10. In St. Louis, it grows as an annual in containers covered with 6 to 18 inches (15 to 45 cm) of water in full sun to part shade. Plants can be difficult to overwinter indoors.
Although this species is of limited use in the aquascape, its beautiful circles of reddish foliage can lend a unique texture to outdoor ponds.
Propagation
Propagation can be carried out by snipping off a rosette from the main stem, with a section of stem attached. The main part of the stem is left in the tank. A new rosette will develop on it after a short while.
Links
- Back to genus Ludwigia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin