Plant comparison
Ludwigia Arcuata vs Ludwigia Repens
How the Ludwigia Arcuata and Ludwigia Repens compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Ludwigia Arcuata vs Ludwigia Repens
The Ludwigia Arcuata and the Ludwigia Repens 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. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. 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 Repens18–28 °C
pH
- Ludwigia Arcuata5.5–7.5
- Ludwigia Repens5.5–8
Hardness
- Ludwigia Arcuata2–12 dGH
- Ludwigia Repens3–18 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantLudwigia ArcuataLudwigia arcuata |  PlantLudwigia RepensLudwigia repens |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Southeastern United States | Central America to southern USA |
| Family | Onagraceae | Onagraceae |
| Temperature | 20–27 °C | 18–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–8.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–12 | 3–18 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 20–35 cm | 25–50 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | High | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | Recommended | Optional |
| 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 Repens 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 Repens?
They sit at the same care level, both beginner-friendly, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Ludwigia Arcuata and Ludwigia Repens 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 Repens?
Placement and light. The Ludwigia Arcuata works as background or midground, the Ludwigia Repens as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.