Care specifications
| Type | Stem |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Light | Medium (40–70 µmol PAR) |
| CO2 | Beneficial, not required |
| Fertilizer demand | High |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| Max height | 16 in |
| Spread | 4 in |
| Placement | Midground, Background |
| Attaches to hardscape | No |
| Snail & shrimp safe | Yes |
| Temperature | 70–82 °F |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Color | Red |
| Trimming | Regular |
| Styles | Dutch, Nature |
Get Alternanthera Reineckii
Propagation
Top and replant stems; cuttings root in one to two weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alternanthera reineckii possible in a low-tech tank?
Yes, with the right expectations: growth is slow and the plant stays smaller, but the red color persists since it is pigment-driven rather than purely light-driven. Give it root tabs, decent light, and patience; avoid burying it in fast-growing neighbors that will outcompete it.
Why are my AR's lower leaves melting or curling?
AR telegraphs nutrient instability — fluctuating CO2 or a lean water column shows up first as curled tips and deteriorating lower leaves. Consistent dosing (especially potassium and iron) and stable CO2 levels straighten out new growth within a few weeks.
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