Species guide
Alternanthera reineckii Care Guide
Aquatic plant
Alternanthera reineckii (AR) is a red midground stem with oval leaves — pickier than Ludwigia for color. Medium–high light and steady ferts help. Not Bacopa (greener, round leaves) and not a crypt rosette.
- Oval red leaves
- Medium–high light
- Stem trim
- Not Ludwigia
Quick facts
| Light | Medium–high for red; low = brown-green |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Optional; red tighter with gas |
| Temp | 22–28 °C |
| Planting | Stems grouped in soil |
| Trim | Cut tops; replant |
| vs Ludwigia | Ludwigia pointed, faster, easier red |
| vs Bacopa | Bacopa slower, round leaves, greener |
| Forms | Mini, rosanervig, standard AR |
Overview
Alternanthera reineckii is the oval-leaf red accent. Ludwigia palustris is easier red with pointed leaves. Bacopa is slower and greener. AR mini fits nano tanks; standard AR needs more light.
Red fading: red plants green · triangle. Compare stems: Rotala H’ra · Hygrophila.
Keep AR red without melting
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Step 1
Plant in aquasoil with root access
Inert sand OK with root tabs + liquid.
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Step 2
Medium–high light on the bush
Low light = brown-green, not wine red.
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Step 3
Trim before lower leaves strip
Weekly pinch once established.
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Step 4
Steady NO₃ and iron — not starvation
Pale pink means hungry, not 'more red'.
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Step 5
Pick mini for nano, standard for 60+ cm tanks
Mini stays shorter; standard needs height.
Common problems
Brown-green not red
Why: Low light or low ferts.
Fix: Raise PAR; full liquid schedule.
Lower leaves melt off
Why: Shade + stem habit.
Fix: Replant tops; see stem guide.
Melts after planting
Why: Emersed shock.
Fix: Don't uproot; optional CO₂ stable.
Algae on leaves
Why: Too much light without CO₂ balance.
Fix: Balance ferts; shorten day.
Tank mates
Gear for this species
Landen Aqua Soil Substrate for Natural Planted Aquarium, Plant or Shrimp Stratum, Clay Gravel and Stable Porous Substrate for Freshwater Aquarium, Black Color 40lbs
Substrate vàng chuẩn Iwagumi / Nature Aquarium.
Budget low-tech under $150 — AR is oval-leaf red — pickier than Ludwigia, not Bacopa speed
FAQ
Alternanthera vs Ludwigia?
AR oval leaves, pickier red. Ludwigia easier pointed stem.
AR mini vs standard?
Mini shorter for nano; standard taller stem.
Need CO₂?
Optional but helps red density in high light.
Why brown not red?
Usually light or nutrients — not always wrong plant.
Good first red plant?
Ludwigia easier; AR after you trim stems confidently.
Can AR carpet?
No — stem. Use Monte Carlo or parva.
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