Plant comparison
Ludwigia Arcuata vs Ludwigia Palustris
How the Ludwigia Arcuata and Ludwigia Palustris compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Ludwigia Arcuata vs Ludwigia Palustris
The Ludwigia Arcuata and the Ludwigia Palustris are close cousins, both in the Ludwigia group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 20 to 27 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Ludwigia Palustris is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Ludwigia Arcuata rewards a bit more attention. Read the full care notes on each below and pick the one whose look and pace fit the tank you're building.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Ludwigia Arcuata20–27 °C
- Ludwigia Palustris18–28 °C
pH
- Ludwigia Arcuata5.5–7.5
- Ludwigia Palustris5.5–8
Hardness
- Ludwigia Arcuata2–12 dGH
- Ludwigia Palustris3–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantLudwigia ArcuataLudwigia arcuata |  PlantLudwigia PalustrisLudwigia palustris |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Southeastern United States | Cosmopolitan (Europe, Americas, Asia) |
| Family | Onagraceae | Onagraceae |
| Temperature | 20–27 °C | 18–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–8.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–12 | 3–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 20–35 cm | 20–40 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Light | High | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | Recommended | Recommended |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Ludwigia Arcuata and Ludwigia Palustris together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 27 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Ludwigia Arcuata or the Ludwigia Palustris?
The Ludwigia Palustris is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Ludwigia Arcuata leans beginner-friendly.
Do Ludwigia Arcuata and Ludwigia Palustris need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 27 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Ludwigia Arcuata and the Ludwigia Palustris?
Placement and light. The Ludwigia Arcuata works as background or midground, the Ludwigia Palustris as background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.