Ludwigia Arcuata
Ludwigia arcuata
Also known as Needle Leaf Ludwigia, Narrow Leaf Ludwigia
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Myrtales›Onagraceae
📍 South America
Ludwigia Arcuata is a fine-leaved stem plant with narrow, needle-like leaves that turn deep red to orange-red under high light and iron-rich dosing, contrasting beautifully with broader-leaved green plants. It requires more light and nutrients than L. repens to achieve its signature colour. Frequent trimming promotes bushy side-shoot growth and prevents the lower stem from going bare.
Community Photos
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by @karleenmendoza
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 1 tankCommunity tanks featuring Ludwigia Arcuata.
Compatible Livestock
Shrimp will not damage plant tissue and help control algae; they thrive in the same nutrient-rich, high-light environment
Excellent algae control without harming delicate foliage; compatible with fertilizer regimens
Small, peaceful fish that won't uproot or damage fine-leaved stems; adds visual contrast
Gentle algae eaters that graze without damaging plant tissue; prefer similar water parameters
Excellent companion plant with contrasting broader leaves; both thrive under high light and CO₂
Complementary foreground plant that creates layered aquascaping; shares identical nutrient and light requirements
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Nitrogen)
Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of red coloration despite high light
Increase fertilizer dosing frequency; add chelated iron supplement; verify CO₂ levels are adequate (30-40 ppm)
Algae Overgrowth (Green/Black Spot)
Green or black algae coating fine leaves, reduced light penetration, plant decline
Reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily; increase water changes; add algae-eating shrimp or fish; check for excess phosphate
Melting (Tissue Decay)
Leaves becoming translucent, mushy stems, rapid tissue breakdown after planting
Ensure gradual acclimation from emersed to submersed form; maintain stable water parameters; improve water circulation and avoid burying stems too deep
Slow Growth/Stunting
Minimal new leaf development, pale coloration, compact growth despite adequate light
Verify CO₂ injection is active and stable; increase macronutrient dosing; check that substrate is enriched; ensure temperature is within 22-28°C range
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Recommended
- light
- High (120–200 PAR for red coloration)
- placement
- Midground to background accent
- substrate
- Aquasoil or enriched substrate
- growth rate
- Moderate
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.