Onagraceae: Ludwigia, the beginner's red plant

The aquarium Onagraceae are essentially the genus Ludwigia, sturdy stem plants with opposite leaves ranging from olive green to coppery red underneath. They are more forgiving than rotalas: they cope with hard water and medium light without collapsing, which makes them the sensible entry point into coloured plants for anyone who does not want to set up CO2.