Origin: Southeast USA
Usage: Midground, Red Accent
CO2: Low
Light: Medium - High
Care: Medium
Growth Form: Stem
Growth Rate: Fast
Height: 8 - 15”
Width: 1 - 1.5”
Temp: 55 - 82F
Ludwigia arcuata is one of the most delicate-looking Ludwigia species, native to the southeastern United States, where it grows creeping or submerged along riverbanks and pond edges. It is sometimes confused with Didiplis diandra or Ludwigia brevipes, but can be distinguished in its emersed form by its slightly hairy stems and bright yellow, obovate petals that reach up to 0.4 inches long and 0.3 inches wide. In contrast, Ludwigia brevipes has smooth stems and smaller, pale yellow petals.
This stem plant thrives under high light and benefits from a steady supply of micronutrients to maintain its vibrant red coloration on shoot tips and leaf undersides. While macronutrients are typically provided through fish food, additional nitrate, phosphate, and potassium supplementation may be necessary if CO2 injection is used. However, Ludwigia arcuata is an excellent choice for tanks without CO2, as it still grows well under moderate conditions. It can also be grown emersed in wet or moist loamy soil under strong lighting, where it produces striking yellow flowers.
Propagation is simple—cuttings from lateral shoots can be replanted to form dense clusters. Due to its fine, branching structure, planting groups of at least six stems enhances its visual impact. Its golden-red leaves create a striking contrast against dark backgrounds or alongside small-leaved plants like Hemianthus micranthemoides and Rotala rotundifolia 'Green', making it an ideal choice for the midground of aquascapes.