ADA Alternanthera reineckii ‘Rosanervig’

Alternanthera reineckii ‘Rosanervig’ is a show-stopping stem plant celebrated for its intense pink to crimson leaves criss-crossed with striking pale veins (“rosa nervig” = pink-veined). Compact internodes, a tidy upright habit, and saturated colour make it a favourite for creating bold focal points in nature and Dutch-style aquascapes. With the right light and nutrition, it delivers premium contrast against green foliage and hardscape.

Physical characteristics

• Height: 15–35 cm, depending on trimming and conditions

• Form: Upright, bushy stems with short internodes; dense leaf stacks

• Leaves: Elliptic to lanceolate; upper surface red to magenta with light veining, undersides often deep rose or burgundy

Aquarium requirements

• Lighting: Medium–high. Strong light promotes compact growth and enhances pink veining.

• CO₂: Recommended. While it survives without CO₂ (15–25 mg/L) greatly improves colour, density, and vigour.

• Fertilisation: Consistent macros (NPK) and micros are key. Maintain nitrate 10–20 ppm, phosphate 0.5–2 ppm, and adequate iron/trace to avoid washed-out colour.

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich aquasoil or use root tabs beneath groups; AR is a notable root feeder.

• Water parameters: pH 6.0–7.4; temperature 22–28 °C; soft to moderately hard water. Good flow helps prevent algae on upper leaves.

Planting & spacing
Plant 5–8 cm apart in small groups of 3–7 stems for a full, tiered look. Use aquascaping tweezers and avoid shading by taller neighbours. Leave space for lateral shoots to develop.

Maintenance

• Trimming: Top frequently to maintain height (every 1–3 weeks in high-energy tanks). Replant healthy tops and leave rooted bottoms to reshoot, or perform “Dutch-style” hedge trims for a uniform block.

• Shaping: Stagger cuts to create domes or terraces. Remove shaded, older lower leaves to keep bases clean.

• Algae prevention: Stable CO₂, steady nutrients, and good circulation; wipe any waste residue from leaves after water changes.

Propagation
Very easy from cuttings. Replant 6–10 cm tops or strong side shoots; they root quickly in active substrate. You can also thin dense stands by lifting and re-spacing stems.

Aquascaping use

• Placement: Midground to background accent.

• Role: Colour anchor or “street” in Dutch layouts; contrast block beside fine green stems (e.g., Rotala, Myriophyllum) or against grey rock/wood.

• Combinations: Pair with bright greens (Hemianthus micranthemoides, Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini'), deep greens (Bolbitis, Anubias) and pale stone to make the pink veining pop.

Common challenges & tips

• Pale or orange rather than pink: Increase light gradually, ensure iron/trace dosing, and keep NO₃ from bottoming out.

• Leggy growth: Raise light, add CO₂, and trim more often to encourage side shoots.

• Melt after planting: Normal adaptation—leave rooted bases; new shoots follow if conditions are stable.

• Salt/floating leaves after neglect: Restore CO₂ and nutrient consistency; trim damaged foliage.

Alternanthera reineckii ‘Rosanervig’ is a premium colour plant for aquascapers seeking vibrant pink-veined foliage, compact structure, and strong midground impact. Provide bright light, steady CO₂, and balanced fertilisation, and it will reward you with dense, vividly coloured stands that elevate any planted aquarium.

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.