Alternanthera reineckii Care | The Easiest Red Aquarium Plant!

Working on your aquascape, but feel like it's still missing something? How about a pop of color?! Aquarium plants don't just come in green, but also in gorgeous shades of pink, purplish, and red. One of the best red plants for beginners and low-maintenance tanks is the scarlet temple plant, usually referred to by its scientific name: Alternanthera reineckii.

Below, find everything you need to know about Alternanthera reineckii. Learn how to recognize it, how to use it in your fish tank, and how to make sure yours thrives.

What is Alternanthera reineckii?

A member of the amaranth family Amaranthaceae, Alternanthera reineckii is a marsh plant that can be found in aquatic (streams, ponds) and semi-aquatic (marshes, seasonally flooded areas) habitats. The species is naturally found in much of South America, all the way from northern Brazil to northern Argentina.

As we'll see below, there are a bunch of different Alternanthera reineckii varieties to be found in local aquarium stores and online. Most of them can be recognized by their vibrant reddish-pink hues, particularly on the undersides of the leaves and on new growth. Scarlet temple plants sport pointed, slightly wavy foliage with visible veining. They feature an upright but bushy growth pattern.

Alternanthera reineckii varieties

Given that it's such a popular choice for the aquarium, it's not surprising that there are many selectively cultivated varieties (cultivars) of Alternanthera reineckii out there. The "standard" wild form is already pretty nice to look at, but you can also consider:

• A. reineckii 'Mini': Much more compact, making it suitable for small tanks or foreground planting.
• A. reineckii 'Rosanervig': Very vibrant reddish-pink color with lighter leaf veins.
• A. reineckii 'Lilacina': Usually reddish-green at the bottom and very bright pink at the top, with pink stems.
• A. reineckii 'Red Ruby': More greenish-red, with bright pink leaf veins.
• A. reineckii 'Bronze': Deep reddish-bronze leaves.
• A. reineckii 'Rosaefolia': Leaves usually range from reddish-green at the bottom to bright pink at the top.

There is also a variegated (marbled) version. However, it's not as spectacular as something like a variegated Anubias 'Nana', and can look almost the same as regular Alternanthera reineckii plants.

Alternanthera reineckii requirements

One of the reasons Alternanthera reineckii is so popular in the aquarium hobby—aside from the plant's stunning colors, of course—is that it's easy to grow. The species doesn't need Co2 injection to thrive, which makes it a good option for beginners or anyone looking to keep things nice and simple. It's also highly colorfast, only reverting to a more orangish hue if lighting and nutrients are seriously lacking.

Like most low-tech choices, the scarlet temple plant is not a very quick grower, meaning yours won't need constant pruning. It just requires some quality root tabs and possibly liquid dosing. Moderate lighting works best: if it's too dark, your plant will start looking sparse, but this species is also susceptible to algae overgrowth in high-light conditions.

If your Alternanthera reineckii has grown enough to require pruning, good job! You can cut the tops off the stems to get them looking their best again. Don't worry, the plant will regrow even bushier, and you can stick the clippings back into the substrate. They'll root and keep growing, expanding your aquatic garden.

Tip: Most aquarium plants dislike being moved, but this one in particular is known for its tendency to "melt" when disturbed. This commonly happens when you move plants from the store's tank to yours. Try not to uproot your Alternanthera reineckii unless absolutely necessary. Remember, plants in general just love consistency!

Alternanthera reineckii uses

Given that there are both tall and mini versions available, this aquarium plant is highly versatile. It also helps that the scarlet temple plant doesn't mind being a little crowded, nor does it need heaps of light to make do!

Here's what we like to use it for:

• Dutch-style (heavy on the stem plants) aquascapes
• Tall varieties: wherever you need a pop of color in the background
• Mini varieties: wherever you need a pop of color in the foreground
• Go bold: try a fully red aquascape by combining both normal and mini varieties, plus other red plants like Ludwigia 'Super Red'.

Buying Alternanthera reineckii

Because it's commonly used in the aquarium hobby, most specialized aquarium stores should carry at least one or two varieties of Alternanthera reineckii. If you're looking for a specific cultivar, searching online tends to be your best bet.

The Shrimp Farm sells two varieties of scarlet temple plants and ships them right to your doorstep! Opt for a standard Alternanthera reineckii, or choose the striking 'Rosanervig' variety.