Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Alternanthera lilacina
Althernathera reineckii "Lilablätrig"
Common name
/
Origin
Origin: South America (Peru)
Ideal fertilization
CO2: 10-40mg/l
Nitrates (NO3): 10-50mg/l
Phosphates (PO4): 0.1-3mg/l
Potassium (K): 5-30mg/l
Iron (Fe): 0.01-0.5mg/l
Group
Amaranthaceae
Kind
Stem
Parameters
T°: 22 to 28°C or 72 to 82°F
pH: 5.5 to 7.5
Hardness: 5 to 15°dGH
Difficulty
Hard
Lighting
Strong
Size
15 to 40 cm (6 to 16")
Plantation
Background
Growth
Average
Presentation
Who is the Alternanthera?
Presentation
Who is the Alternanthera?
This very beautiful plant presents soft green leaves on the top and lilac underneath. This superb coloration has a price: a rather delicate maintenance reserved for the experienced aquarists.
Ideal for open tanks, it likes to protrude from the aquarium.
Planting and maintenance
How to plant and maintain the Alternanthera?
Planting and maintenance
How to plant and maintain the Alternanthera?
Very close to its cousin Alternanthera reineckii, its maintenance conditions are almost identical to the latter. However, note that it will need a contribution in light much higher to obtain the coloration with 2 colors of its leaves.
This plant requires a rich soil (in particular in iron) regularly fed in fertilizer.
The diffusion of CO2 is obligatory for a beautiful maintenance.
This species naturally tends to lose its leaves on its lower part. When your plant starts to lose its leaves, replace it by a new cutting. It is also for this reason that it is preferable to plant several feet next to each other: you will have a denser rendering.
Farming
How to farm the Alternanthera?
Farming
How to farm the Alternanthera?
If the maintenance of Alternanthera lilacina is rather difficult, its culture on the other hand is rather easy. Cut heads of at least 10 cm (4") and transplant them directly into the ground, at a good distance from the mother plant (in case of good growth, this plant can become quite imposing).
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Good To know
Find all additional information!
It was considered for a long time as a variety of Alternanthera reineckii (it was then called Alternanthera reineckii var lilacina). Today, it is a species in its own right.
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