Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosaefolia''
Alternate Names:
Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosaefolia'' brings standout color to a planted tank while staying practical to grow, making it a fun choice for aquascapes that need a bright accent. It adapts well with or without CO₂.
Care At-A-Glance
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Origin: South America (Amazonia waterways)
Type: Red stem plant
Size: 30-15cm (12-20") Maximum height in the aquarium
Position and Usage: Colorful background plant. Popular in "Dutch-style" aquariums
CO2 Requirements: Not required though helps achieve best coloration and growth rate
Growth Rate: Variable depending on conditions - generally faster than most Alternanthera cultivars
Lighting: 3/5 - 5/5 Temperature: 18 - 25°C pH: 5.0-7.0 Hardness: Unimportant - soft to hard water (4-12 dGH)
Water Conditions: Coming Soon
Propagation/Reproduction: New plants grown from cuttings while multiple shoots will arise on the cut stem Special Requirements: Good lighting, fine substrate preferred. Iron supplementation, like all red plants, is needed for the best health. Emersed use: Grows wonderfully as an emersed plant in terrariums and paludariums. Emersed forms tend to be shorter, stouter and may produce small flowers
Detailed Information
Overview
Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosaefolia' (Magenta Water Hedge) An absolutely stunning variety of Alternanthera reineckii (AR) that is widely considered an easier plant than its cousins one of the easiest red plants for your aquarium. As it is a larger plant than many other AR varieities, it is a majestic and colorful background plant that makes any aquascape pop with color.
Most popularly used in the background of Dutch and Dutch inspired planted tanks. Like virtually all red plants, good lighting is much appreciated. CO2 fertilization is by no means necessary but will produce richer reds and purples, increase the growth rate and enable a denser growth habit. This plant is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get started with red plants and instantly adds visual interest to any aquascape!
References and Further Reading