ADA Alternanthera reineckii ‘AR’

Alternanthera reineckii is a classic red stem plant prized for its deep burgundy to ruby foliage and strong architectural presence. It forms dense, upright stands that instantly add contrast and depth in Dutch- and nature-style aquascapes. With good light, CO₂ and nutrients, AR develops saturated colour and compact internodes.

Physical characteristics

• Height: 25–50 cm (trim to suit)

• Form: Upright stems with moderate internodes; bushy with regular topping

• Leaves: Elliptic to lanceolate; upper surface copper-red to wine red, undersides often purple

Aquarium requirements

• Lighting: Medium–high to high for best colour and compact growth

• CO₂: Recommended (≈15–25 mg/L) for density and vivid reds

• Fertilisation: Steady macros/micros; aim around NO₃ 10–20 ppm, PO₄ 0.5–2 ppm, good Fe/trace supply

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich aquasoil or supplement with root tabs (strong root feeder)

• Water parameters: pH 6.0–7.4; temperature 22–28 °C; soft–moderately hard; good flow helps deter algae

Planting & spacing
Group 3–7 stems, spacing 5–8 cm to allow light into the base. Plant with tweezers; avoid immediate shading by taller background stems.

Maintenance

• Trimming: Top every 1–3 weeks in high-energy tanks; replant tops, let bases reshoot

• Shaping: Stagger cuts to build domes/terraces; remove old shaded leaves at the bottom

• Stability: Keep CO₂ and fertiliser consistent to prevent colour wash-out

Propagation
Very easy from cuttings. Replant 6–10 cm tops or side shoots; they root rapidly in active substrate.

Aquascaping use

• Placement: Midground to background colour block

• Role: Focal accent or Dutch “street”; contrasts beautifully with fine green stems (Rotala, Myriophyllum), bright carpets (Lobelia mini), and pale rocks.

Common challenges & tips

• Pale/bronze instead of red: Increase light gradually, ensure iron/trace and avoid NO₃ starvation

• Leggy stems: Boost light/CO₂, trim more frequently to encourage side shoots

• Melt after replanting: Normal adaptation—leave rooted bases; new shoots follow

Alternanthera reineckii delivers classic red drama with reliable growth. Provide bright light, stable CO₂ and balanced nutrients for dense, richly coloured stands that anchor your aquascape.

Plants with great success!

Tissue Cultures are very young plants cultivated and delivered directly from the laboratory. The plants are guaranteed to be free from snails, algae and pesticides and, therefore, are harmless for sensitive shrimp and fish.

Success with your aquarium depends largely on the proper plant choice. In a Tissue Culture cup, you get many plants that can be divided into small portions and cover a larger area. Plants are compact from the start, so you will experience dense and beautiful growth if you give them the right fertiliser and CO2!

• Carefully take the plant out of the cup and rinse off the growing media.
• To prevent mildew and algae, rinse with chlorine-free water.
• Split the plant into portions using your fingers or scissors.
• Plant portions into the substrate using tweezers or attach to the hardscape in case of rhizomatous. 

Then watch them grow!

Origin
Country or continent where a plant is the most common. Cultivars arise or are bred in cultivation.

Growth Rate
Growth rate of the plant compared to other aquatic plants.

Height
Average height (cm) of the plant after two months in the tank.

Light Demand
The average or medium light demand of an aquarium plant is 0.5 W/L.

CO2 Demand
A medium need in CO2 is 6-14 mg/L. A high demand in CO2 is approx. 15-25 mg/L.