Ludwigia Sedioides (Mosaic Plant): Ultimate Care Guide

Common Name(s)Mosaic Plant
Scientific NameLudwigia Sedioides
OriginSouth America
Ease of GrowingEasy
PlacementCommonly used as a pond plant
Height2-3 inches
pH5.5-7.5
Temperature70-80°F (21-26.6° C)
Growth RateFast
PropagationStem cutting
Light RequirementDirect or partially shaded light
Hardiness Zone8-11
Ludwigia Sedioides (Mosaic Plant)
Ludwigia Sedioides (Mosaic Plant)

Ludwigia Sedioides, also known as the mosaic flower or false loosestrife, is an emergent aquatic perennial popular among owners for its beautiful red and green diamond-shaped rosettes.

Native to South American countries like Venezuela, Panama, Columbia, and Brazil, this plant grows best in warm, sunny, and humid conditions.

Since these plants float on top of the water’s surface rather than in a traditional soil substrate, they are able to use their roots to absorb excess nutrients and pollutants throughout the water column. 

The floating rosettes also help to shade the water, reduce algae, and provide cover for any pond residents from predators.

Avoid planting this in natural waterways, as it can quickly transform into an invasive species and cause severe damage to your local ecosystem.

Keeping it in your pond is the best, and the ONLY place that Ludwigia Sedioides should be.

Be careful not to place any fish in the pond you are growing Ludwigia Sedioides in, as the brittle stems can be easily broken by passing wildlife.

Ludwigia Sedioides Care

Ludwigia Sedioides are extremely easy to grow and maintain, just be sure to prune them often.

The most important environmental factors to keep track of for your mosaic plant are water temperature and pH, which should match the recommendations we will make later in the article.

In addition, trim off any dead or dying foliage, including flowers, to encourage healthy growth.

One of the most important ways to protect the cleanliness of your water is by routinely removing your detritus, which can prolong the health of your tank.

When you first plant your L. Seioides, we recommend placing a fertilizer tablet in the basket or soil just below the plant’s roots, if you choose to propagate that way.

If you choose to grow your plant by simply allowing it to float, you don’t need to give it any fertilizer.

If you live in an area that doesn’t experience particularly cold winter temperatures, be sure to prune your plant frequently, as it can quickly overgrow your pond and become an issue if left unattended.

Be sure to properly dispose of any cuttings in your trash or compost; don’t leave them in a pile, as Ludwigia Sedioides primarily spreads via cuttings and could grow a new plant in your pond or worse, an open waterway.

Residents of regions that have much cooler climates shouldn’t have to worry about pruning, as cold temperatures cause growth to stagnate until the warmer months.

Ludwigia Sedioides (Mosaic Plant)
Ludwigia Sedioides (Mosaic Plant)

How Much Light Does My Ludwigia Sedioides Need?

Ludwigia Sedioides prefer partially shaded or bright, direct sunlight.

Since this plant is used to floating on top of the body of water it inhabits, it has become accustomed to high sun exposure for long periods and needs these large amounts of light to grow at such a fast rate.

What Is The Best Temperature For My Ludwigia Sedioides?

Due to their tropical origins, Ludwigia Sedioides prefer temperatures between 70-80° F (21-26.6° C).

Keeping temperatures within your Ludwigia Sedioides’ preferred range is ideal to boost growth while enabling your mosaic plant to produce gorgeous leaves and beautiful blooms.

Since this plant originates in South America, it has a very low resistance to cold temperatures and must be kept in warm climates as much as possible.

If the water temperature drops much below 70° F (21° C), your mosaic plant will struggle to grow, with temperatures beneath 65° F (18.3° C) causing death.

Optimum pH for Ludwigia Sedioides

The ideal pH for Ludwigia Sedioides is 5.5 to 7.5.

This plant does not grow well in acidic soils, making a more alkaline substrate the best for L. Seioide’s growth.

How Fast Does Ludwigia Sedioides Grow?

Ludwigia Sedioides grows very quickly, spreading at a rate of about 1 foot per month.

This plant’s growth is heavily dependent on the management of essential environmental factors, meaning experienced owners will see quicker growth than novice gardeners.

Regardless of who cares for the plant, it grows quickly, it is just a matter of how fast it reaches the size you prefer.

Does Ludwigia Sedioides Require A Co2 Injection?

Like all aquatic plants, Ludwigia Sedioides will do best in an aquarium tank that has clean water, good aquarium lighting, a high-quality CO2 injection, and a nutrient-dense substrate.

While a CO2 injection is not required for the cultivation of this plant, it can help boost growth rates.

How Do I Propagate Ludwigia Sedioides?

Ludwigia Sedioides can be easily propagated via stem cuttings.

After you assemble your necessary propagation tools, (sterilized scissors for clipping the stem, paper towel to allow the stem to dry out, etc.) the next step can be done in two different ways:

First, as well as the simplest method of propagation, can be done by placing your clipping to float atop the water, usually at a depth no greater than two feet,  allowing roots and the stem to develop over time.

Another option for plant enthusiasts who live inside one of the USDA hardiness zones is planting your L. divides in clay, silt/loam, or some other form of aquatic substrate up to the plant’s crown (where the roots and stem of the plant meet) in your choice of an aquatic planting basket or a submerged pot.

The latter is a good option if you live in a subtropical area where mosaic plants won’t die off from winter and as such can overtake ponds, as the basket or pot will help somewhat to control spread.

The mosaic plant prefers nutrient-rich silty or clay soils, but will often do just fine in an aquatic substrate.

What Is The Best Soil For Ludwigia Sedioides?

Ludwigia Sedioides prefers nutrient-rich soils, ideally silt or clay, however, they do just fine in an aquatic substrate.

When combined with ideal tropical temperatures, soft water parameters, the perfect soil, and high-quality aquarium LED lighting, Ludwigia Sedioides can produce its unique, slightly serrated red leaves without any trouble.

Where Can I Find Ludwigia Sedioides For Sale?

Ludwigia Sedioides can be found for sale online at a variety of independent retailers as well as aquariums.

While prices tend to vary much more amongst independent retailers, you can purchase these plants from anywhere between $5-25, with larger and more developed variations costing more.