Alternanthera reineckii

As freshwater aquarium plants, Alternanthera reineckii needs a very bright light, a good substrate, nutriment rich water and additional CO2.

Alternanthera reineckii is a small herbaceous plant, which when living in marsh conditions has two forms: emergent (in which case the plant has grown out of the water or on the ground), and submersed (in which case the plant has grown underwater). The leaves have a wide cross shape, lance late to elliptic, and they get thinner where the leafstalk should be, or they have a very short leafstalk. They are 1.5 inches (4cm) length and 0.6 inches (15mm) wide. The upper part of the leave is dark green to olive green, and the lower part is light green to light carroty. The total plant can reach up to 20 inches (51cm) in good conditions and can grow out of the water in suitable conditions.

A wide variety of leaf colour forms are available, eg. 'Pink' (='roseafolia' / 'lilacina') but these seem to be at least partially influenced by light intensity.

Cultivation in aquariums it can be difficult. These fish tank plants need a very bright light, a good substrate, nutriment rich water and additional CO2. Propagation is by cuttings, though it can be grown from seed. When purchasing for aquarium plants, get plants that have been raised submerse. It tolerates a wide range of temperates down to about 63°F (17°C) and doesn't seem to be fussy as to water conditions. Cuttings can be left to float until they form roots and then planted in the substrate.

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