Ludwigia peploides aka Floating Primrose Willow

Taxonomy

Ludwigia peploides, also known as floating primrose-willow and creeping water primrose, is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family. It is native to Australia, New Zealand, North America, and South America, but has spread to many continents and become naturalized. This perennial herb grows in moist to wet to flooded areas, and the stem can creep over 2 meters long, sometimes branching. It can form mats on mud or float ascending in the water, making it a troublesome aquatic noxious weed that invades water ecosystems and can clog waterways. The leaves are several centimeters long and are borne in alternately arranged clusters along the stem. The flower has 5 to 6 lance-shaped sepals beneath a corolla of 5 or 6 bright yellow petals up to 2.4 centimeters long. The fruit is a hard, cylindrical capsule. While Ludwigia peploides can be invasive outside of its native regions, it is also grown as a rare houseplant known as Creeping Water-Primrose. This plant requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light less than 1 foot from a window. It prefers soil that is good at retaining moisture and should be repotted each time it doubles in size, eliminating the need for added fertilizers.

Common names

Floating Primrose Willow, Water Primrose, Clovestrip

How to care for Floating Primrose Willow

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Floating Primrose Willow, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Floating Primrose Willow should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Floating Primrose Willow is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

Floating Primrose Willow requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Floating Primrose Willow will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Floating Primrose Willow plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Floating Primrose Willow should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.


More info:
Wikipedia