Why is my Alternanthera reineckii turning green?

A loss of red pigmentation is typically caused by insufficient lighting or a lack of iron in the water column. Upgrading your light intensity and dosing a comprehensive liquid fertiliser with iron will help restore its vibrant colour.

Why are the lower leaves falling off?

This is often due to shading. If the plant grows too dense or the lighting isn't strong enough to penetrate to the bottom of the tank, the plant will shed its lower leaves to conserve energy. Regular pruning and spacing stems apart can prevent this.

Do I need CO2 to grow Alternanthera reineckii?

While it can be grown without supplemental CO2, its growth will be significantly slower, and its colours may lean more towards a brownish-red or green. For the bright magenta and deep red hues seen in professional aquascapes, CO2 injection is highly recommended.

How do I prune and replant it?

Use sharp aquascaping scissors to cut the stem just above a leaf node. You can then take the top cutting, remove the bottom-most leaves, and push it an inch or two into the substrate to grow a new plant.

Why are my plant's leaves melting?

New plants often experience 'melt' as they transition from emersed (grown above water at the nursery) to submerged conditions in your tank. Maintain good water quality, and new, fully aquatic leaves will soon sprout.

FreshwaterPlantsIntermediate

Alternanthera Reineckii

Alternanthera reineckii

A striking, red-hued stem plant popular for adding bold contrast to planted aquariums.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 7
Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
Adult size: 10 – 50 cm
Min. volume: 20 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 5 years
Diet: Photosynthesis and nutrient absorption

About the Alternanthera Reineckii

Alternanthera reineckii is one of the most popular stem plants in the freshwater aquarium hobby, highly prized for its vibrant red, pink, and magenta foliage. Unlike many other red aquatic plants, it is relatively forgiving, though it still requires specific conditions to truly thrive. Available in several cultivars, ranging from the tall 'Rosaefolia' to the foreground-friendly 'Mini', it offers excellent versatility for aquascapers.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Alternanthera Reineckii comes from

Native range

South America

Countries / regions

Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay

Habitat

River margins, marshes, and seasonal floodplains where it often grows emersed during the dry season.

Widely cultivated in nurseries worldwide for the aquarium trade.

Similar species

Ludwigia repens
Ludwigia repens
Rotala macrandra
Rotala macrandra
Ammannia gracilis
Ammannia gracilis

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Small, peaceful fish that will not damage delicate plant leaves and contrast beautifully against the red foliage.
Great
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Excellent algae grazers that keep the plant's broad leaves clean without consuming the healthy plant tissue.
Great
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Known to uproot stem plants and aggressively consume soft aquatic foliage.
Not recommended
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Highly herbivorous and will quickly decimate soft-leaved plants like Alternanthera.
Not recommended
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.
Generally plant-safe, but large or boisterous adults may accidentally uproot freshly planted stems before roots are established.
Compatible with caution

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