Ludwigia arcuata
Fine-Leaf Red Stem Plant for High-Contrast Aquascapes
Ludwigia arcuata is a classic, highly sought-after stem plant known for its extremely slender, needle-like leaves and vibrant coloration. Under strong light and stable CO₂, it develops stunning shades ranging from orange to deep crimson red, creating exceptional contrast against green plants. Its delicate texture and upright growth make it a staple in Dutch-style, nature, and competition aquascapes.
🌱 Key Features
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Ultra-fine, needle-like foliage
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Color transitions from green/orange to deep red
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Elegant, vertical stem growth
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Excellent contrast plant for green-dominant layouts
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Popular choice for high-end aquascaping
⚙️ Optimal Aquarium Parameters
Difficulty: Medium
Growth Rate: Moderate
Placement: Midground to Background
🌡️ Water Parameters
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Temperature: 20–27 °C (68–81 °F)
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pH: 5.5–7.2
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GH: 1–6 dGH
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KH: 0–3 dKH
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TDS: ~60–150 ppm
💡 Lighting
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Requirement: High
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Strong lighting is essential for compact growth and intense red coloration
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Lower light results in greener, thinner, and stretched stems
💨 CO₂
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Strongly Recommended
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CO₂ greatly improves growth stability, internode spacing, and color intensity
🌿 Nutrients
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Primarily a water-column feeder
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Requires consistent macro nutrients, especially nitrates
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Iron and trace elements enhance red pigmentation
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Avoid nutrient swings, which can cause stunting or leaf loss
✂️ Care & Maintenance
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Trim tops regularly to maintain density
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Replant cuttings to form thick, colorful groups
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Sensitive to instability—consistent light, CO₂, and fertilization are key