Photo: Alex AbairCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Peruvian primrose-willow Plant Care
Ludwigia peruviana (L.) H.Hara
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ludwigia peruviana is a striking aquatic plant known for its vibrant red and green leaves that add a pop of color to any aquarium. Originating from South America, this plant is popular among aquarists for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in underwater environments.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
72–82°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Peruvian primrose-willow?
Water Peruvian primrose-willow every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 72–82°F (22–28°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Peruvian primrose-willow Native To?
What Is the Peruvian primrose-willow?
Peruvian primrose-willow (Ludwigia peruviana) belongs to the Onagraceae family within the Ludwigia genus. Peruvian primrose-willow is native to Peru, it has been introduced in many other countries for its attractive simple yellow flowers.
Peruvian primrose-willow displays a spreading, aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Peruvian primrose-willow produces small yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Peruvian primrose-willow?
Ludwigia peruviana requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Peruvian primrose-willow Need?
Peruvian primrose-willow thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Peruvian primrose-willow Prefer?
Ludwigia peruviana grows best at temperatures of 72–82°F. Peruvian primrose-willow prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
72–82°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Peruvian primrose-willow?
Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Peruvian primrose-willow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Peruvian primrose-willow?
Feed Peruvian primrose-willow every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Peruvian primrose-willow?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Peruvian primrose-willow?
Peruvian primrose-willow can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to creeping primrose-willow plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Peruvian primrose-willow Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Peruvian primrose-willow, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Peruvian primrose-willow?
Peruvian primrose-willow is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Peruvian primrose-willow Need?
Peruvian primrose-willow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Peruvian primrose-willow is native to Peru, it has been introduced in many other countries for its attractive simple yellow flowers.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Peruvian primrose-willow is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ludwigia genus (family Onagraceae) — search all Ludwigia species in the plant lookup.
Peruvian primrose-willow thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ludwigia Species
Other Ludwigia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ludwigia peruviana (L.) H.Hara, family Onagraceae (first published in J. Jap. Bot. 28: 293 (1953)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Peruvian primrose-willow, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Alex Abair, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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