Ludwigia adscendens — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Ludwigia adscendens

Ludwigia Adscendens

Updated · 44 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Ludwigia adscendens, the water primrose, is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family. Its native distribution is unclear. It is now a common weed of rice paddies in Asia and occurs also in Australia and Africa, but may have originated in South America.This plant is a perennial floating herb with white spongy buoys, and can float on water surface as well as creep over the surface of wetlands. The plant has simple leaves with elliptic blades, which are 0.4–7 cm long and 0.7–3 cm wide. Its petioles are 0.5–1.0 cm short. Its cream flowers emerge singly at axils, and each have 5 sepals, 5 petals, and 10 stamens.

A note from PlantMom

Floating water primrose is fairly disease-resistant and generally not prone to illnesses. Nevertheless, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. These infections are typically not severe. Regarding care, this plant needs a moderate level of maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to keep a good appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also encourage flowering. Floating water primrose is suitable for anyone who has outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand much care experience. It may need extra attention when cultivated indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Ludwigia Adscendens.

Light

Floating water primrose comes from habitats that receive abundant sunlight, such as the shallow margins of ponds and lakes. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial sun as well.

Water

The floating water primrose thrives in tropical wetlands, where it prefers consistent moisture and can tolerate brief flooding. It requires weekly watering and benefits from habitats that mimic its natural shallow water environments. These environments allow for seasonal water level variations, which support its growth cycles.

Temperature

Floating water primrose comes from tropical areas characterized by warm, humid climates. Consequently, it is adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and thrives in a stable thermal environment, so indoor temperature fluctuations should be avoided. It typically cannot withstand cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the ambient temperature becomes too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Pruning

Floating water primrose is an aquatic plant characterized by its spongy stems and yellow flowers that float on the water's surface. To promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding, it is important to prune the plant regularly from early to late spring. This practice not only supports the plant's overall health but also contributes positively to the aquatic ecosystem, as it aligns with the plant's active growth period.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Ludwigia
Family
Onagraceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
61 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 49 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
White, Yellow
Flower Size
4.06 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Water-primrose en Creeping water Primrose en Red Ludwigia en Floating water primrose
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How do I water my Floating water primrose at different times of the year?

The Floating water primrose requires the most water during the hottest months of the year. In summer, you may need to water it more than once a week, depending on how quickly the soil dries out. In contrast, during winter, the plant goes into a dormant phase and needs less water. In fact, you may not need to water it at all during winter. However, if you choose to water it during this time, limit it to about once a month. Overwatering during winter increases the risk of disease for your Floating water primrose.

Should I keep the Floating water primrose away from direct sunlight?

Certain perennial plants require ample sunlight to reach their maximum bloom. However, in warmer climates, some of these plants actually benefit from less sun. For instance, individuals residing in hotter regions might find it beneficial to shade their flowering perennials during the intense afternoon sun, especially during summer months. Although many perennial flowering plants prefer partial shade in the hottest climates, there are exceptions. Take the Giant Coreopsis, for example, as it is not bothered by excessive sun exposure. These plants can flourish even when placed in the full sun during scorching weather.

How should I water my Floating water primrose?

To properly water the Floating water primrose, use filtered water at room temperature or slightly warmer. Filtered water is preferred because tap water may contain harmful particles. The plant prefers warm water since it originates from a warm environment, and cold water can be a shock to its system. Avoid overhead watering as it can cause foliage problems. Instead, thoroughly soak the soil with the filtered room temperature water. This helps moisten the roots and enables them to spread and collect necessary nutrients.

What kind of sunlight does Floating water primrose require?

Floating water primrose requires full sun every day, with a minimum of six hours of sunlight to maintain healthy leaves, roots, and blooms. Some perennials, such as the Orange Daylily or Giant Coreopsis, can survive with just three hours of sunlight each day. However, even though they can tolerate less sun, they may not thrive as well as they would in sunnier conditions.

What do I do if I give my Floating water primrose too much or too little water?

When caring for your Floating water primrose, both overwatering and underwatering can harm its health. However, overwatering is a more common problem. If your plant receives too much water, its stems and leaves may wilt and turn yellow. Overwatering for a long time can also cause diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew, which can kill the plant. Underwatering is less likely with this plant because it can tolerate drought fairly well. Still, there is a chance of underwatering, which can make the leaves brittle and brown. It's important to notice the signs of overwatering early. Some diseases caused by overwatering, like root rot, may not be fixable if you wait too long. If you see early signs, reduce watering immediately. Also, check the soil drainage. If it drains poorly, replace it with a loose, well-draining potting mix. If you notice signs of underwatering, simply water more frequently until the signs go away.

Does sunlight harm Floating water primrose? How to protect Floating water primrose from sun and heat damage?

In warm climates, some Perennial Flowering Plants may struggle with excessive heat and suffer from sun damage. They can wilt, dry out, or even experience growth problems if they are consistently exposed to the intense afternoon sun. However, not all plants require protection from the light afternoon sun. For those that are harmed by intense afternoon exposure, it is recommended to provide them with some shade in warmer climates. Gardeners can achieve this by planting these plants in areas that do not receive direct heat during the afternoon, such as under trees or behind bushes.

How often should I give water to my Floating water primrose?

If your plant is in a pot, the best way to determine if your Floating water primrose needs water is to check the soil moisture. Stick your finger into the soil and if the top two to three inches are dry, it's time to water. For outdoor plants in the ground, use the same method. If the top few inches of soil are dry, water the plant. In spring and early fall, watering once a week is usually sufficient. During very hot weather, you may need to water the plant twice a week or more. However, mature, well-established Floating water primrose plants can tolerate drought well.

What happens if the Floating water primrose doesn't get enough sunlight?

If your Floating water primrose is not exposed to enough sunlight, you will observe signs that it doesn't have what it needs. In such conditions, the plants will produce fewer blooms compared to those receiving full sun exposure. While some plants may have dry spots on their leaves, most will still manage to bloom, albeit with smaller and less full flowers.

How much water does my Floating water primrose require?

When watering your Floating water primrose, make sure not to be stingy with the amount of water you give. Wait until the top two to three inches of soil are dry, then give the plant a deep watering until the soil is completely soaked. It's important to add enough water so that excess water flows out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If no excess water is draining, you may not have given enough water. Be careful not to let water accumulate inside the soil, as this can harm the plant. Also, if water is not draining properly, it could indicate that the soil is not draining well, which is not good for the plant's health. If the plant is outside, one inch of rain per week is enough.

Does the floating water primrose require specific sunlight care during its various stages of growth?

To maximize the blooming of floating water primrose in gardens, it needs at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, during hot periods, partially shading the flowers can help them stay fresh for longer. When the plants are young, it's important to give them adequate sunlight without exposing them to intense afternoon heat. On the other hand, fully mature plants require plenty of sun to support their growth effectively.

How should I give water to my Floating water primrose as it grows?

The water needs of the Floating water primrose can vary depending on its growth stages. When the plant is in its early years or has been recently transplanted, it requires more water than usual. During these stages, the plant focuses on developing new roots to support future growth, and these roots thrive with slightly more moisture. As the plant matures, it will require less water. Additionally, during the bloom period, the flower development process requires a significant amount of moisture, so you may need to provide extra water during this time.

How much light does Floating water primrose need to make food?

Floating water primrose require at least six hours of light for optimal photosynthesis cycles, as the sun plays a crucial role in the growth of their foliage and blooms. On the other hand, perennial flowering plants like the Giant Coreopsis may require eight to twelve hours of full sun daily to sustain their sizable flowers and vigorous foliage.

PLATES
Ludwigia adscendens leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Ludwigia adscendens leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Ludwigia adscendens flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Ludwigia adscendens flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Ludwigia adscendens habit
PLATE 05 · habit
Ludwigia adscendens habit
PLATE 06 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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