Ludwigia arcuata

Ludwigia arcuata is native to the eastern United States and is prized in the aquarium hobby for its unusually narrow, needle-like leaves that arch slightly away from the stem, giving the plant its species name. Under standard conditions the foliage is olive-green, but under high light with iron supplementation the leaves flush to vivid orange and deep red.

Compared to other Ludwigia species it is relatively forgiving, tolerating a wider range of water parameters and adapting to medium-light setups if CO2 is provided. It is faster-growing than many specialist stems and responds well to regular trimming, producing dense lateral branching.

Its fine texture makes it an excellent companion to broader-leaved red stems in Dutch aquascapes, and it is also frequently used in Nature Aquarium-style layouts as a background or transition plant between green and red zones.

Light: High (50–80 PAR); orange-red coloration requires strong illumination. CO2: Required at 20–30 mg/L; beneficial even at medium light for compact growth. Fertilisation: Regular iron and micronutrient dosing; balanced NPK maintains healthy growth. Placement: Background or midground; group 5–9 stems with 2–3 cm spacing. Propagation: Trim tops at 10–15 cm and replant; quick to root within 3–5 days.