Red Hygrophila - Alternanthera reineckii

The purple colour underneath Alternanthera reineckii leaves provides an effective contrast to the many green aquarium plants in an aquarium - particularly when planted in groups. Good light encourages the leaves to turn red. Most Alternanthera species are difficult to grow, but this one is relatively undemanding. Easy to propagate by nipping off the terminal bud and planting it in the bottom. This also makes the mother plant more bushy, because more side shoots are formed. Alternanthera reineckii is an easy to grow stem plant that will thrive in most aquariums. The plant typically grows to a height of 10 to 20 inches, even taller under high light conditions. The width of each stem is about 4 to 6 inches, based on leaf growth.The leaf is oblong-elliptic to ovoid. In order to achieve strong shoots the substrate should be nutrient rich and light intensity high. Three to five strong specimens can be used for the background area to help accent the shades of green aquarium plants. Alternanthera reineckii can grow well in both hard and soft water although soft, slightly acidic water is best. Optimum growth temperature is 75 to 80.6 degrees, although it can grow in temps from 71.6 to 82.4 degrees. It can withstand temps from 39.2 to 84 degrees. Alternanthera reineckii requires moderate to high lighting (2 - 4 watts/gal) to do well. If kept in low-light tanks the lower leaves tend to fall off. Separate each stem and plant individually. This will result in better growth and the lower leaves will still receive some light as the this aquarium plant grows taller.

We are open Monday 9am-4.30pm, Tuesday - Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am- 1pm, Closed Sunday and Public Holidays. We use Post Haste Couriers