Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Alternanthera sessilis
Alternanthera rosaefolia
Common name
Magenta Water Hedge
Alternanthera reineckii
Origin
Origin: South America
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°: 20 to 29°C or 68 to 84°F
pH: 5.5 to 7.5
Hardness: 4 to 12°dGH
Difficulty
Hard
Lighting
Strong
Size
Up to 55 cm (22")
Plantation
Background
Growth
Slow
Presentation
Presentation
Who is the Alternanthera?
Considered by many aquarists as a very beautiful plant, its red colour will bring colour and contrast to your aquarium. Small curiosity: the leaves are bright red above, while below they pull more towards the pink. Thus, it brings a nice shade of red/pink contrasting with the green of other plants.
Planting and maintenance
Planting and maintenance
How to plant and maintain the Alternanthera?
Position your Alternanthera rosaefolia on the back of your aquarium. Indeed, this plant can measure between 50 to 60 cm or 20 to 23 inches! If it finds itself in the foreground, it will hide the other plants. You can also opt for the sides of the tray, where it will also find its place nicely.
To grow and flourish, this plant needs lighting with excellent light quality. To keep the beautiful colours that characterize it, adjust the intensity of your lighting from medium to strong. If it is under dim lighting, its growth will be slow.
Plant your Alternanthera rosaefolia in a rich nutrient soil. Note that this plant prefers a FRESHWATER with low nitrate load.
For the plantation, group 4 to 5 feet leaving between each a space of several centimeters. This will allow a good development of each foot and that it benefits each one of a maximum of light.
When you see leaves blacken or decompose, do not hesitate to cut them.
A contribution in Co2 is advised but not essential.
Farming
Farming
How to farm the Alternanthera?
It's simple, and impressive to see! Its farming is realized thanks to cuttings.
On a mother plant, cut a large stem (about 7 to 10 cm or 3 to 4 inches). Leave some leaves on it. Simply plant this stem in the substrate a few centimeters from the mother's foot or in another area of the aquarium.
It is absolutely necessary to plant the stem in the nutritive part of the substrate and not only in the gravel. It is on this condition that the plant takes root and develops.
As the days go by, your little stalk will root and grow to become as beautiful as the mother foot!
Good To know
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Alternantora Rosaefolia is a variety of Alternantora Sessilis.
In the Amaranthaceae family, this species is the easiest to maintain. However, it can be a little tricky for novice aquarists because of these lighting requirements.
Yours photos!
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