Overview: Popularly known as 'Scarlet Temple' and 'Ruby Red,' Alternanthera reineckii is a beautiful aquatic plant suitable for freshwater tanks. It is well-known for its stunning and vibrant color and texture. The distinctive pink foliage with lightly colored veins makes the plant unique. It grows dense and in clusters, bringing wonderful color to the aquarium and increasing its aesthetics manifold.
You can grow this plant emersed or submersed. Under appropriate water conditions, the plant grows up to a height of 10 to 30 cm. Therefore, it is most suitable as a foreground or midground plant. You may notice that the roots of Alternanthera reineckii are weak initially, but as the plant settles, they get strong and massive.
Advantages: The tissue culture variant of Alternanthera reineckii' Rosanervig' is developed in in-vitro condition, making it free from pests and other microorganisms that can create havoc in an already established tank. Therefore, having a tissue culture variant of Alternanthera reineckii' Rosanervig' is the right choice.
Care: Alternanthera reineckii' Rosanervig' comes under moderate difficulty aquatic plants. So, it is advised to take care of this plant, especially if you are a new aquarist. The plant requires a temperature between the range of 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. A nutrient-rich substrate will help it grow profusely and develop beautiful foliage.
It is a slow grower, so even when the plant gets the right condition and water parameters, you will witness a low or moderate growth rate. For the best results, supply additional carbon dioxide and nutrients or fertilizers.
Light requirements: Alternanthera reineckii' Rosanervig' requires moderate to high light conditions to develop its peculiar red foliage.
pH requirement: The optimal pH can range between 6 and 7.
Other requirements: Alternanthera reineckii' Rosanervig' is a slow grower with moderate demands. You need to supply it with additional fertilizers to help it grow. At the same time, adding carbon dioxide will hasten the growth rate. Likewise, good lighting will facilitate nice foliage color. Keep the water parameters within the range to get the best results.
