Red ludwigia is a highly variable plant, since it occurs naturally over such a wide range, and has also been produced for the aquarium hobby for many years. The plant will grow in different leaf shapes and color variations depending on genetics and the growing conditions. The more light and nutrients provided, the faster the growth will be, and the redder the leaves. When a single stem is trimmed, the growing tips can be planted, and the growing stem will branch, making the display bushier and fuller. A very attractive and undemanding plant, L. repens is an excellent aquarium plant, one which will adapt to most conditions and grow profusely. If stems are placed on the substrate and weighed down in places, each leaf axil will produce a new stem, and with trimming it can effectively be used as a ground cover.