Description
Common Name: Alternanthera Reineckii (GLA Potted Plant)
Alternanthera Reineckii is a beautiful and versatile plant for all aquarists, from beginner to expert. This background, centerpiece plant is a popular choice for hobbyists since it is rewarding to cultivate. The vibrant green, reddish-brown leaves of Alternanthera Reineckii adds a splash of color to your aquascape. This plant can maintain its vivid bright red color with little difficulty, but if nutrients and light are restricted, the leaves can dull in color and may appear orange. The leaves of this plant are spear-shaped and have red or pink highlights (accented by strong lighting). It is ideal for adding background contrast to your green plants! Alternanthera rosaefolia is a variation of the species with which it is frequently mistaken. The veins on the leaves of Alternanthera reineckii are green, while they are pink/red in rosaefolia.
Alternanthera are a genus of freshwater tropical plants native to South and Central America. Alternanthera is not difficult to grow, although it does require attention. Iron will to help enhance the red color. To keep this plant in good condition, you must provide it with a ferrous fertilizer routinely. If provided with strong lighting and iron-rich substrates, the plant will prove simple to maintain and undemanding. This plant survives both high and low lighting conditions, which makes it perfect for any planted tank. Alternanthera thrives on good soil, CO2, and regular fertilization to promote growth and maintain vivid coloration, especially iron. The soil should be nutrient-rich. Keep your aquarium lighting intense if you want the leaves to be very red. The water's temperature should not be excessively high. Make cautious modifications to the aquarium to avoid unstable tank conditions that can cause plant melting and decay.
It can grow as tall as the water column in the tank and vary greatly in color and appearance depending on its lighting, pruning, and nutrients. When it grows tall and reaches the surface of the water, uproot it and cut off the stem's base, then replant the stem back into position to keep it submerged. Cuttings can also be propagated by cutting and floating trimmings in the aquarium. Roots will grow and they may be re-planted. To propogate, you can cut off the terminal bud and plant clippings in the soil; because more side shoots are generated as a result of this, the mother plant becomes bushier.
Because of its size, place it on the back or sides of your aquarium aquascape. Plant the stems in groups without planting them too tightly together for an improved foliage effect. Alternanthera Reineckii offers great background coverage and provides sanctuary for aquarium life and can be trimmed to maintain your desired growth. The closer they are to the soil, the greener the leaves. The nearer they are to the surface, the more red they become.
- Common Name: AR
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Origin: Central/South America
- Growth Height: 4-12+”
- Aquarium pH: 6.5-7.5
- Care: Easy to Moderate
- Light: Medium to High
- Propagation: Cut the stem and replant
- Growth rate: Moderate to Fast
- CO2: +/-30ppm
How to Plant, Grow and Care for Alternanthera Reineckii in your Planted Aquarium
- Alternanthera variety make an excellent midground or background choice for your aquascape. Use tweezers to plant stems in clusters not too close together.
- Alternanthera prove colorful and easy to maintain under the proper conditions of: nutrient rich substrate, regular fertilizing (especially nitrate, phosphate and iron), 30ppm CO2, medium to high lighting, and regular trimming and pruning to maintain your aquascape.
- Always research first and make cautious modifications to your aquarium to avoid unstable tank conditions that can cause plant melting and decay.
- CO2 injection is highly recommended for your aquascape. CO2 is recommended around +/-30ppm.
- A well researched aquarium fertilizing routine is recommended for your plant(s) to grow healthy, vibrant in color, and be nutrient deficiency and algae free.
- Your aquarium plants will grow best in adequate lighting, medium to high lighting is recommended.
- Even the easiest aquarium plants require adequate and regular maintenance and care to keep your aquarium ecosystem healthy.
- Trim your plants appropriately with sharp scissors to prune and/or propagate and to maintain your desired aquascape.
- Keep your aquarium pH and general hardness (GH) stable and targeted to your aquascape plan. Aquarium pH of 6-8 is recommended for your plants.
- Use nutrient rich soil substrate in your aquarium to give your plants the best start.
Why Shop GLA Greenhouse - Aquatic Plant Nursery
- We take pride in our aquarium plants and we only ship immaculate, happy and healthy plants.
- We are excited to offer you the finest quality plants, an expert crafted selection of unique, beautiful, and rare species to ensure your aquascape is a masterpiece.
- GLA potted plants will give you a healthy start to your planted aquarium; of course you will need to research the appropriate tank conditions, lighting, substrate, CO2 and nutrients etc. for your aquascape to ensure your plants grow and thrive, but that's all part of the enjoyment of the hobby.
GLA's Arrive Alive (DOA) Guarantee for your Aquarium Plants
ARRIVE ALIVE (DOA) GUARANTEE COVERAGE ON LIVE PLANTS:
Select UPS 2 Day or UPS Next Day Air shipping for DOA coverage. DOA guarantee does not cover plants or tissue cultures shipped with Standard, Ground, Priority, First Class, Parcel or Free shipping methods.
- We have an exceptional practiced and proven plant packaging system and therefore our customers experience minimal to no DOA plants. We guarantee our plants will arrive alive to your door, and if they don't, we will absolutely make it right.
- DOA plant claims can be reported to GLA at our email info@greenleafaquariums.com on the day of order delivery. DOA claims must be accompanied by photos as evidence.
TO DECLINE DOA COVERAGE ON LIVE PLANTS:
You can select USPS Priority Mail shipping, however, we do not offer DOA coverage or free ice/heat packs for plants shipped with USPS. If plants arrive dead we cannot offer refunds, replacements or credit for the loss.