Ludwigia arcuata
A fine-leaved Ludwigia that flushes deep orange-red at the tops under strong light. Needle-narrow leaves give it a softer, more delicate look than repens or palustris — good for breaking up broad-leaved plants behind it. Trim weekly to thicken into a column rather than a single stem.
Ludwigia Arcuata (Ludwigia arcuata) is a stem aquatic plant for the background to midground of a planted tank. It reaches 20–35 cm under good conditions and grows at a medium rate. Light: high. CO₂: recommended. Target 20–27 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, and 2–12 dGH. Substrate: Aquasoil + iron dosing. Propagate via top cuttings.
Care at a glance
A fine-leaved Ludwigia that flushes deep orange-red at the tops under strong light. Needle-narrow leaves give it a softer, more delicate look than repens or palustris — good for breaking up broad-leaved plants behind it. Trim weekly to thicken into a column rather than a single stem.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to the planted aquarium.
The parameters that decide whether ludwigia arcuata fits in your tank.
Onagraceae
Stem
Background to midground
Aquasoil + iron dosing
Top cuttings
Southeastern United States
Southeastern United States
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
CO₂ requirement: recommended. Light requirement: high. Under low-tech conditions the plant grows at a medium rate.
Ludwigia Arcuata (Ludwigia arcuata) needs high light. Run a photoperiod of 6–8 hours; longer photoperiods invite algae unless CO₂ and dosing are dialled in.
Position: background to midground. Substrate: Aquasoil + iron dosing It typically reaches 20–35 cm.
Propagation method: Top cuttings. Ludwigia Arcuata is a stem plant.
Target 20–27 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, and 2–12 dGH. Flow tolerance: low to medium.
Difficulty: 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this plant with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
