Ludwigia Arcuata

Native to the southeastern United States, Ludwigia arcuata is one of the more slender-leaved members of the Ludwigia genus, earning it the common name needle leaf Ludwigia. Under bright light and with good nutrients, the foliage shifts from a muted olive-green into a striking deep orange-red that can anchor the warm tones in a planted layout. The leaves are genuinely narrow, almost grass-like, which gives it a texture that stands apart from the broader-leaved stem plants you'll often see grouped with it.

Growth is upright and branching, and stems can reach 30 to 40 cm before they need trimming. It does best planted in groups toward the midground or background, where the vertical stems and fine foliage create depth. CO2 injection isn't strictly required, but without it, the red coloration stays muted and growth slows noticeably.

Propagation is straightforward: trim healthy side shoots and replant them directly into the substrate. Liquid fertilizers, especially iron-rich ones, make a real difference in achieving that intense coloration. If you want to see how it performs in real aquascapes, browsing competition tanks or community build threads will show you just how vivid this plant can get.