Plant comparison
Ludwigia Arcuata vs Ludwigia 'Super Red'
How the Ludwigia Arcuata and Ludwigia 'Super Red' compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Ludwigia Arcuata vs Ludwigia 'Super Red'
The Ludwigia Arcuata and the Ludwigia 'Super Red' 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. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Ludwigia 'Super Red' is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Ludwigia Arcuata20–27 °C
- Ludwigia 'Super Red'20–28 °C
pH
- Ludwigia Arcuata5.5–7.5
- Ludwigia 'Super Red'5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Ludwigia Arcuata2–12 dGH
- Ludwigia 'Super Red'2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantLudwigia ArcuataLudwigia arcuata |  PlantLudwigia 'Super Red'Ludwigia palustris 'Super Red' |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Southeastern United States | Selectively bred from L. palustris (global temperate) |
| Family | Onagraceae | Onagraceae |
| Temperature | 20–27 °C | 20–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–12 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 20–35 cm | 15–40 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | High | Low to High |
| CO₂ | Recommended | Optional to Recommended |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
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 'Super Red' 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 'Super Red'?
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 'Super Red' 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 'Super Red'?
Placement and light. The Ludwigia Arcuata works as background or midground, the Ludwigia 'Super Red' as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.