Photo: Thomas MesaglioCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Creeping primrose-willow Plant Care
Ludwigia repens J.R.Forst.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ludwigia repens is a striking aquatic plant known for its vibrant red and green leaves that add a pop of color to any aquarium. Originating from North and Central America, this plant is popular among aquascapers for its easy care requirements and ability to thrive in various water conditions.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to part shade
72–82°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Creeping primrose-willow?
Water Creeping primrose-willow every 3–7 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Creeping primrose-willow Native To?
What Is the Creeping primrose-willow?
Creeping primrose-willow (Ludwigia repens) belongs to the Onagraceae family within the Ludwigia genus. Creeping primrose-willow is native to parts of the Americas and it has the potential to spread easily and become naturalized in many areas. Creeping primrose-willow is also known as Water primrose.
Creeping primrose-willow displays a spreading, aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to 12 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Creeping primrose-willow produces small yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Creeping primrose-willow?
Ludwigia repens requires watering every 3–7 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 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Creeping primrose-willow Need?
Creeping primrose-willow thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Creeping primrose-willow Prefer?
Ludwigia repens grows best at temperatures of 72–82°F. Creeping primrose-willow prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
72–82°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Creeping primrose-willow?
Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Creeping primrose-willow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Creeping primrose-willow?
Feed Creeping primrose-willow every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Creeping 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 Creeping primrose-willow?
Creeping primrose-willow can be propagated through stem cuttings, division.
Is the Creeping primrose-willow Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Creeping 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 Creeping primrose-willow?
Creeping 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 Creeping primrose-willow Need?
Creeping primrose-willow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Creeping primrose-willow is native to parts of the Americas and it has the potential to spread easily and become naturalized in many areas.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Creeping 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.
Creeping primrose-willow thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ludwigia repens J.R.Forst., family Onagraceae (first published in Fl. Amer. Sept. : 22 (1771)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Creeping 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: Thomas Mesaglio, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Creeping primrose-willow Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species