Aquarium Plants Profile: Alternanthera Reineckii
(Telanthera Rosefolia)
To ask a question about this aquarium plant email:
Don Matakis
The width of each stem is about 4 to 6 inches, based on leaf growth
Moderate to high lighting (2 - 4 watts/gal)
Optimum growth temperature is 75 to 80.6 degrees
The purple colour underneath Alternanthera reineckii ''roseafolia'' leaves provides an effective contrast to the many green aquarium plants in an aquarium - particularly when planted in groups. Good light encourages the leaves to turn red. Most Alternanthera species are difficult to grow, but this one is relatively undemanding. Easy to propagate by nipping off the terminal bud and planting it in the bottom. This also makes the mother plant more bushy, because more side shoots are formed. (Excerpt From Tropica)
Alternanthera reineckii is an easy to grow stem plant that will thrive in most aquariums. The plant typically grows to a height of 10 to 20 inches, even taller under high light conditions. The width of each stem is about 4 to 6 inches, based on leaf growth.The leaf is oblong-elliptic to ovoid.
In order to achieve strong shoots the substrate should be nutrient rich and light intensity high. Three to five strong specimens can be used for the background area to help accent the shades of green aquarium plants. Alternanthera reineckii can grow well in both hard and soft water although soft, slightly acidic water is best. Optimum growth temperature is 75 to 80.6 degrees, although it can grow in temps from 71.6 to 82.4 degrees. It can withstand temps from 39.2 to 84 degrees.
Alternanthera reineckii requires moderate to high lighting (2 - 4 watts/gal) to do well. If kept in low-light tanks the lower leaves tend to fall off. Separate each stem and plant individually. This will result in better growth and the lower leaves will still receive some light as the this aquarium plant grows taller.
Don's Notes:
My experience with this aquarium plant is that Alternanthera reineckii is very easy to grow and quite strikingly beautiful when it has enough light. I have floated little pieces of stem on the surface and had them continue to grow and then planted them in the substrate. Alternanthera reineckii only requires sufficient fertilizers and an adequate source of the gas CO2 (carbon dioxide), and you are ahead of the game if you use Laterite or substrate nutrient balls or tablets in your aquarium. The leaves tend to grow in an upward fashion which really shows off the deep, beautiful red color!
This aquarium plant is a cultivar of the original Alternanthera reineckii which comes from the South American Amazon region, and the easiest to grow of all the varieties.
Don Matakis is the Aquatic Grower & Senior Aquaculturist for freshwateraquariumplants.com