Ludwigia arcuata

Ludwigia arcuata is a beautiful plant most suitable for open aquaria where it willingly grows above the water. The emergent leaves are much smaller than the larger lanceolate and opposed aquatic leaves. The stem and the leaves are in both cases reddish coloured though most intensively in the emergent form. It often flowers with small golden-yellow flowers and it is easily propagated from the seeds as well as from cuttings. Ludwigia arcuata shows a strong seasonal rhythm and the lower leaves are shed during the winter. Also, cuttings root very poorly during winter time. The plant prefers a rather rich substrate to grow optimally - a mixture of unwashed sand and mud/clay in the ratio of 10:1 is fine. Ludwigia arcuata requires high light whereas water hardness does not seem to make much difference in plant performance.