Alternanthera reineckii 'Cardinalis' Care Guide
Alternanthera reineckii 'Cardinalis' is a compact red stem plant with rounded leaves, prized for a strong dark-red accent in the midground of bright tanks.
Overview
Alternanthera reineckii 'Cardinalis' is a cultivar of the South American stem plant Alternanthera reineckii (family Amaranthaceae). It is characterised by compact growth and wider, rounder leaves than the 'Rosaefolia' form, displaying a deeply dark-red coloration on the submerged leaves rather than a light red.
Taxonomy
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Genus: Alternanthera
- Scientific name: Alternanthera reineckii 'Cardinalis'
- Common synonyms: Alternanthera cardinalis, Telanthera osiris
Habitat
The parent species Alternanthera reineckii, also called water hedge, is native to South America, where it populates submerged and semi-aquatic habitats such as marshes, stream banks and ponds, reaching about 30 cm in height.
Growth requirements
- Water type: freshwater
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lighting: medium; strongest colour under rather strong light
- CO2: not strictly required but recommended for best colour and growth
The plant needs iron, potassium and nitrogen; the deepest red develops under intense light. Growth is medium and the plant grows quite strongly with a good nutrient supply.
Placement
Recommended at about 15-40 cm, it is planted as a group in the midground to background of not-too-small aquariums, where it provides a strong dark-red accent and contrasts well with light green plants. The KB record lists a maximum height around 20 cm.
Propagation
It is easily propagated by cuttings of stem tips and side shoots, which can be replanted to thicken a group.