Ludwigia senegalensis is relatively new in the hobby. Its interesting leaf pattern, together with its brick-red colour, distinguishes it from other stem plants. It first was introduced as Ludwigia sp. “Guinea”. This name hints at its being imported from Guinea first, however, information is scarce. L. senegalensis is rather widely spread in Africa – from Senegal to Angola and to the Zambezi river in northern Zambia – where it grows in different wet locations, emersed and submersed, up to a height of 1100 m above sea level.
When cultivated emersed, the plant develops a creeping growth habit, whereas its submersed shoots grow upright.

As breathtaking as this plant may be, it needs some things for optimal growth. First and foremost, it needs a lot of light and should thus not be placed in the shade or in poorly lit areas of the aquarium.