Here is all about Ludwigia sp. "Dark Orange" — a striking stem plant known for its rich orange to coppery-red tones, making it a standout color accent in freshwater aquascapes.

🌿 Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Ludwigia sp. "Dark Orange"

• Common Names: Ludwigia Dark Orange, Orange Ludwigia, Copper Ludwigia

• Family: Onagraceae

• Origin: Cultivated variety (not found in the wild); likely a color-enhanced variant of Ludwigia palustris or Ludwigia repens

🌱 Appearance

• Leaves: Narrow to oval-shaped, opposite pairs

• Color: Copper, amber, dark orange — under high light and good nutrition

• Stem Color: Reddish to deep orange

• Height: 15 – 35+ cm (6 – 14 inches)

• Growth Habit: Upright, dense with trimming

🍁 This plant displays deeper color than Ludwigia “Super Red”, leaning towards burnt orange or copper hues rather than bright red.

💧 Ideal Tank Conditions

🌾 Growth & Propagation

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (with CO₂)

• Propagation: Top cuttings or lateral shoots

• Maintenance: Regular trimming keeps compact and bushy form

• Spacing: 2–4 cm between stems for light access and fullness

🌟 Aquascaping Uses

• Ideal for midground or background placement

• Provides warm color contrast to red, green, and purple plants

• Looks amazing in Dutch, nature-style, and island layouts

• Works well with Ludwigia Super Red, Rotala h'ra, Limnophila hippuridoides, and Pogostemon erectus

🧠 Care Tips

• High light (40–60 PAR at substrate) is critical for deep orange tone

• Regular dosing of iron, potassium, and micronutrients

• CO₂ injection (20–30 ppm) boosts coloration, growth, and compact form

• Avoid shading from taller plants — needs full exposure

• Trim tops to promote side-shooting and bushy groups

⚠️ Common Issues

• Color fades to dull green/yellow in low light

• Leggy growth if not trimmed or insufficient light

• Pale new leaves may signal nutrient deficiencies

• May melt slightly after planting but recovers quickly

🐠 Compatibility

• Completely safe with shrimp, nano fish, and peaceful tankmates

• Avoid with rough, digging, or plant-eating fish (like goldfish)

• Offers excellent fry and shrimp cover

📌 Summary

✅ Why Choose Ludwigia sp. "Dark Orange"?

• Offers a unique warm-toned accent in planted aquariums

• Stays compact and vibrant with proper care

• Pairs well with both green and red species

• Perfect for creating visual depth and color contrast