Ludwigia Arcuata is a decorative aquarium plant with narrow, red-colored leaves. It grows tall, so it is intended for the second or third level of the aquarium.
- Difficulty of growing: medium
- Light requirement: high
- CO₂ requirement: high (20 mg/l)
- Outgrown plant height: up to 40 cm
- Growth: moderate
- Temperature: 20-28°C
- Placement in aquarium: Third and second levels
- Origin: North America
- 6 cm cup diameter
Ludwigia Arcuata is a decorative orange-green or red-green plant for the background of your aquarium. This species is native to North America, where it occurs in the following states: Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It occurs as a perennial marsh plant that grows in stagnant or slow-moving waters.
The plant belongs to the Onagraceae (Evening Primrose) family and its synonyms are Ludwigia pedunculosa Michaux, Isnardia pedunculosa de Candolle, Isnardia arcuata Kuntze and Ludwigiantha arcuata Smoll. In appearance it resembles Ludwigia brevipes and Didiplis diandra.
Ludwigia arcuata is distinguished by its elongated, narrow leaves, the tips of which turn orange to red depending on the incidence of light. It has thin, vertically growing stems and likes to grow above the water surface, which is why it is recommended for open tanks and paludariums. The leaves that grow above the water are finer, but more colorful. It flowers frequently and its inflorescences are small and golden yellow.
For good growth, afertile substrate, strong lighting and CO₂ fertilization are required. The light in the aquarium with this variety should be on for about 12 hours per day. With regular pruning, it forms a dense, compact shrub with an orange-red coloration that contrasts well with green plants. Ludwigia tolerates a pH of 5.5 to 8.0, water hardness is not important to it, but it is very sensitive to iron deficiency in the water. Ludwigia arcuata has a weakly developed root system and therefore does not require a thick substrate. When planted in paludariums, it floats well.
Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Divide the contents of the cup into 3-4 cm lumps and then place them in the substrate.
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