Ludwigia arcuata "Dark red"

Overview: Ludwigia arcuata is a beautiful and delicate aquatic stem plant that helps enhance the look of the tank with attractive dark red hues. It belongs to the Onagraceae family and hails from North America. It often grows in wetlands and swamps in emersed and submersed conditions. Those who love dark and contrasting colors in their aquarium also love to have a few plants of Ludwigia arcuata, "Dark Red." It is also popular with names like Needle Leaf Ludwigia, Ludwigia Needle Leaf, Narrow Leaf Ludwigia, and Pond Seedbox.

Appearance: Ludwigia arcuata is a perennial herb. When it is grown as an aquatic plant inside an aquarium, the leaves show reddish-brown coloration. They are narrow and lanceolated. The Stem of Ludwigia is dark red, and the dramatic view completes with needle-like leaves. Initially, the leaves are green but turn dark red or brown over time, depending on the light provided. The plant grows into bushy clusters that look delicate. Under the right water conditions, it can grow up to 20" in height. 

Hard/Soft Plant: Even though Ludwigia arcuata "Dark Red" looks delicate and fragile, it is a hardy plant when provided with the right water parameters.  

Ideal water temperature: The ideal temperature the plant thrives well is 20 to 28°C. 

Lightening Conditions: Since the color of Ludwigia arcuata "Dark Red" (stem and leaves) depends upon the light intensity, it should be set from medium to high. In order to attain deep red coloration, optimum lighting is essential. Under low light conditions, the plant will stay naturally green; however, in medium light, it will turn yellow to orange. As the light intensity increase, the plant turns into shades of red. 

Ideal pH level: 5.5 to 7.8 is ideal for Ludwigia arcuata "Dark Red" to grow and flourish. Hardness should remain between soft to medium for the best results. 

Propagation- Ludwigia arcuata "Dark Red" can be propagated through cuttings. As you trim the long stems of side shoots, plant them anew in the substrate to rise as a new plant. Maintain good spacing to allow the plant to grow. Once the cutting settles, it starts growing and creeping. 

Do you know- Ludwigia arcuata is often mistaken for other species of Ludwigia like L. repens, Ludwigia brevipes, Ludwigia palustris, etc. Also, when these species are grown together, they can reproduce hybrid offspring.