Perfect for Nature Aquarium, Dutch, and concave layouts
Its bold red foliage creates striking color accents among green plants.
Best for intermediate planted aquariums
Stable conditions help maintain its deep natural coloration.
Naturally vibrant burgundy leaves
Unlike many plants, its rich red color appears even without extreme lighting.
Maintains a strong upright form
The stems grow neatly and help structure midground plant groups.
Creates natural focal points in aquascapes
Small clusters can anchor the visual balance of planted layouts.
Origin: South America
Type: Stem plant
Growth Rate: Medium
Size: Height: 25–50 cm (10–20 in) Width: 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
Natural Habitat: This species grows along tropical riverbanks, wetlands, and floodplains throughout South America, often rooted in fine silt where seasonal flooding periodically submerges the plants.
Special Considerations: Provide medium to high lighting and a nutrient-rich substrate for best coloration. CO₂ supplementation can improve compact growth and encourage fuller stems.
Did You Know?
Alternanthera reineckii became popular in planted aquariums during the rise of Dutch-style aquascaping, where hobbyists arranged contrasting groups of plants like a carefully designed underwater garden. Its vivid red leaves made it one of the most important contrast plants in that style.
Tank Size: 30 L (8 gallons) or larger recommended to allow the plant to develop strong stems and broad leaves.
Plant Placement: Often used as a midground focal plant where its red and burgundy leaves create a strong visual accent. It combines nicely with fine-textured plants such as Rotala nanjenshan and Limnophila sessiliflora, while foreground carpets like dwarf hairgrass or Monte Carlo help frame the plant in aquascapes. Midground plants such as Cryptocoryne wendtii or Staurogyne repens can create a natural transition layer.
Compatibility: Works well in planted aquariums with betta fish, honey gouramis, neon tetras, ember tetras, Corydoras catfish, shrimp, and snails. Its dark foliage provides strong contrast for brightly colored fish such as ember tetras or fancy guppies, while shrimp species like blue dream shrimp or Amano shrimp often forage along the leaves.
Substrate Performs best in nutrient-rich planted substrates that support strong root development and stable growth. In inert substrates (sand or gravel), supplementing with root fertilizers such as Osmocote capsules can help provide essential nutrients. Iron supplements such as Iron EDTA capsules may also benefit red and orange stem plants by supporting stronger coloration and healthy new growth.
Light: Medium to strong lighting (40–70+ PAR) for 8–10 hours daily.
Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
pH: 5.5 – 7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2–10 dGH)
CO₂: Recommended for best coloration and growth.
Care & Propagation: Trim stems regularly to maintain compact growth. Replant healthy tops to propagate new plants. Consistent pruning encourages branching.
Portion Size 1 carefully selected stem bundle (typically 5–7 stems), freshly trimmed and ready for aquarium planting.
Plant Size Stems are usually 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall at the time of packaging.
Plant Type Submerged-grown aquarium stem plants, ready to plant directly into aquarium substrate.
Snail-Free & Aquarium Safe Plants are grown without chemicals that could harm fish, shrimp, or other aquarium inhabitants and are carefully inspected to ensure they are snail-free.
Transition After Shipping Some leaves may melt or change appearance after planting as the plant adapts to new aquarium conditions. This is a normal transition and new submerged growth will develop shortly.
Planting Guide
- 1.Remove the protective plastic packaging.
- 2.Gently remove the filter floss and rubber band holding the stems together.
- 3.Rinse the stems gently with clean water.
- 4.Separate the bundle into individual stems.
- 5.Plant each stem about 2–3 cm (1–1.5 in) deep into the substrate.
- 6.Leave small spacing between stems so they have room to grow and spread.
- 7.If a stem floats out, plant it slightly deeper or at a slight angle to help it anchor.
Tip
Aquascaping tweezers from our aquascaping tool set can make planting stem plants easier and allow precise placement in the substrate.
