Alternanthera Reineckii
Alternanthera reineckii
Amaranthaceae
About
Alternanthera reineckii is a striking South American stem plant and one of the most reliable ways to bring true red into a planted aquarium. Its lance-shaped leaves range from pink-veined green on top to a deep magenta-purple underside, intensifying to vivid red when given strong light, injected CO2 and iron-rich fertilisation. Rooted in the substrate as a midground or background feature, it makes a bold colour contrast against green plants but demands more care than an easy green stem.
Care
Plant firmly in nutrient-rich substrate, give medium-to-high light with CO2 and iron-rich fertiliser for the deepest red, and trim and replant the tops regularly to keep growth bushy. Colour fades toward orange or green if light or nutrients fall short.
Diet
Feeds from both its roots and the water column; wants a complete fertiliser plus iron and micronutrients, with root tabs supporting stronger, redder lower growth.