Ludwigia Arcuata

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Needle Leaf Ludwigia; Narrow Leaf Ludwigia

Synonyms

Ludwigia pedunculosa

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina)

Habitat

Swampy wetlands, wet meadows, pond edges and slow rivers in soft, acidic water, growing both emersed and submersed

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Moderate

Growth form

Stem

Max height

5 – 20 in (13 – 51 cm)

Spread

6 in (15 cm)

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

Midground, Background

Water

Temperature

68 – 82 °F (20 – 28 °C)

pH

5.5 – 7.5

GH

2 – 15 dGH

dKH

3 – 8 dKH

PAR

50 – 100 PAR

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

High

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

High

Colors

Green, Orange, Red, Brown

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Cuttings, Seeds

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Care guide

Overview

Wetland margins and slow, acidic rivers of the southeastern United States are the origin of this fine-leaved stem plant, cultivated commercially for aquarium use. Its paired needle-thin leaves shift from olive-green to bronze and red under strong light and lean nitrate. Regular trimming keeps it branching densely for midground or background planting.

Care

Needle Leaf Ludwigia is a fine-textured stem plant that does best in medium to high light with a nutrient-rich substrate and regular liquid fertilization. It grows both emersed and submersed, but the submersed form with its narrow needle leaves is more delicate and can melt after being transplanted or exposed to sudden parameter swings. Stable water chemistry, consistent dosing, and steady lighting help it settle in and hold its color rather than dropping leaves.

Planting & trimming

Plant individual stems about an inch apart directly into a nutrient-rich substrate, stripping the lower leaves near the cut end to encourage rooting. Trim the tops once stems approach the surface and replant the cuttings, which also encourages branching at the cut point for a bushier habit. Regular trimming every two to three weeks in a high-tech setup keeps the plant dense rather than leggy.

Fertilizing

This species is a moderately heavy root feeder, so root tabs pushed near the base of the stems support strong growth alongside a nutrient-rich substrate. A comprehensive liquid fertilizer with iron and trace elements is also recommended, since iron availability strongly affects how deeply red the foliage turns. Keeping nitrate on the lean side, roughly 5 ppm or lower, combined with bright light tends to intensify the orange-to-red coloration further.

Propagation

Propagation is done by cutting the stem tops or side branches and replanting them directly into the substrate after removing the lowest leaves. Under favorable conditions mature plants can also flower and set seed above the waterline, though vegetative cuttings are the standard and far more reliable method in aquarium culture.

Problems

The submersed form is prone to melting after planting, pruning shocks, or abrupt changes in water parameters, so newly added stems should be given stable conditions while they root in. Low light or excess nitrate causes the plant to lose its red coloration and become leggy and green. Insufficient iron or trace elements can also show up as pale or washed-out new growth near the tips.

Sources

1. Ludwigia arcuata care: light, CO2 and placement · TankBud
2. Ludwigia arcuata | How To Grow This Beautiful Stem Plant - The Shrimp Farm
3. Ludwigia Arcuata Care Guide (Needle Leaf Ludwigia) - Fish Laboratory
4. Ludwigia Needle Leaf, Ludwigia arcuata: Aquatic Plants for Freshwater Aquariums

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