Alternanthera reineckii 'Variegated'

Origin: South America
Usage: Foreground, Midground, Accent (red), Nano Tanks
CO2: Medium
Light: Medium-High
Care: Medium
Growth Form: Stem
Growth Rate: Medium
Height: 4 - 16”
Width: 2 - 4”
Temp: 40 - 86F

The Alternanthera genus consists of approximately 170 known species, with Alternanthera reineckii being one of the few capable of growing fully submerged. Originally imported into the Netherlands in 1965 under the name Telenthera osiris, this vibrant aquatic plant is native to South America, where it thrives along riverbanks that experience seasonal flooding. Over time, multiple cultivated varieties have been developed, each offering unique coloration and growth patterns.

Among these, Alternanthera reineckii ‘Variegated’ is commonly available and one of the easiest to maintain. While it can survive under low light and without CO2 supplementation, it flourishes under medium to high light conditions (0.4–1 watt per liter) with added CO2. Without sufficient lighting, it may shed its lower leaves. This species adapts well to a range of water parameters, from soft to hard water, and does best in slightly acidic conditions. Unlike many red plants, A. reineckii ‘Variegated’ thrives in nutrient-rich environments with high nitrate (10 mg/L or more) and phosphate (0.5 mg/L or more) levels, benefiting from additional substrate fertilization in low-nutrient setups.

To achieve a lush, bushy appearance, plant stems with adequate spacing and propagate through cuttings—simply trim the shoot tips and replant them in the substrate. New lateral shoots will develop from the trimmed stem, encouraging denser growth. A. reineckii "Variegated" creates a bold contrast against green aquatic plants, making it a standout choice for midground or background placement. 

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