Alternanthera Reineckii Pot Aquarium Plant

Alternanthera Reineckii Pot Aquarium Plant

Alternanthera Reineckii 'Pink' (Rosaefolia) is a great alternative to green plants in your aquarium, it will add an extra colour and texture with its purple colour underneath the leaves which are encouraged by good light to turn red.

Alternanthera is a type of  water hedge native to South America where it grows in submerged and semi aquatic environments. It can be a somewhat slow growing plant if its needs are not met, but it is not a high tech aquarium plant and does not require Co2.

The key to keeping these plants in good colour and health is to use a good quality soil based substrate and a good, full spectrum light. Gravel and sand are not recommended. Poor lighting and nutrition can lead to Alternanthera Reineckii becoming washed out, leggy and generally drab. Co2 is not necessary, but will produce better results. This plant is very flexible in terms of pH and temperature, but stable parameters are very important. It does not like being moved, so it's important to find a good site for the plant right from the start.

This aquarium plant can grow to 30cm tall, so trimming is recommended for any plants that have become too elongated. This will come with the additional benefit of the plant producing side shoots after it's been trimmed, making it look fuller. Cuttings can be transplanted and will sprout new roots to become a whole new plant. Due to its slow growing nature, Alernanthera Reineckii can be susceptible to algae, which can be a challenge. Giving good quality fertiliser that doesn't contain nitrates and phosphates will help reduce the likelihood of algae taking over the plant.

Size: 25-50cm Optimum pH: 5 - 8 Lighting: 2-4 Watts per gallon Temperature: 17-28 degrees celcius Difficulty: 4 (1 = Easy 5 = Difficult) Plant Arrangement: Mid-Background Supplied in a small pot with mineral wool.

Find out more about this aquarium plant at the 2hr Aquarist