TankBud

Ludwigia arcuata

Also known as Needle leaf ludwigia, Narrow leaf ludwigia, Piedmont primrose willow, Ludwigia pedunculosa

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Ludwigia arcuata (Ludwigia arcuata)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
64–82°F
18–28°C
Max height
19.7 in
50 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Midground
Type
Stem
pH
5.0–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Spread
1.6 in (4 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Onagraceae
Origin
Southeastern United States

Overview

Ludwigia arcuata is a fine-textured red stem plant for the midground. It rates medium in difficulty.

Did you know

Emersed Ludwigia arcuata has much wider leaves than the submersed plant. Store-bought emersed stock looks different until it converts underwater.

Caring for Ludwigia arcuata

Plant Ludwigia arcuata in the midground, stripping the lower leaves and setting the stems a little apart. It branches heavily into dense bushes. Trim and replant the tops to propagate it.

Light is the biggest factor for its color. High light, CO2 and good iron push it from orange toward deep red. Lean nitrates, around 5 ppm and below, intensify the red further. It feeds through roots and leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

It is somewhat fragile and prone to melting after big parameter swings, or while it converts from emersed growth. Keep conditions stable, within 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C).

Good to know

Ludwigia arcuata is a stem plant in the family Onagraceae. The name Ludwigia pedunculosa is treated as a synonym. Underwater it carries very narrow, almost needle-like leaves.

In the wild

Ludwigia arcuata is native to the southeastern United States. It grows creeping or submersed along rivers and around the edges of ponds, in soft, acidic water.

Common questions

Does Ludwigia arcuata need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.

Does Ludwigia arcuata need CO2?

No, but it helps. Ludwigia arcuata can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Ludwigia arcuata need?

Ludwigia arcuata needs high light from a strong planted-tank LED. In weaker light its stems stretch and drop their lower leaves.

Does Ludwigia arcuata need root tabs?

They help. Ludwigia arcuata takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Ludwigia arcuata?

Ludwigia arcuata propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.

How tall does Ludwigia arcuata grow?

Ludwigia arcuata grows to about 19.7 in (50 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

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