Alternanthera reineckii 'Lilacina' Care Guide
Alternanthera reineckii 'Lilacina' is a stem plant with reddish-purple stems and longer, narrower leaves that flush pink to red under strong light.
Overview
Alternanthera reineckii 'Lilacina' is a cultivar of the South American stem plant A. reineckii (family Amaranthaceae). Its stems are a striking reddish-purple that contrasts with brownish-green leaves; compared with other reineckii forms, 'Lilacina' has narrower and longer leaves, and under good conditions new leaves take on pink-to-red hues.
Taxonomy
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Genus: Alternanthera
- Scientific name: Alternanthera reineckii 'Lilacina'
- Common synonyms: Alternanthera rosaefolia (within the species)
Habitat
The parent species is native to South America, growing in submerged and semi-aquatic habitats such as marshes and stream banks and 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 (moderate to high); bright light enhances red and magenta hues
- CO2: not required but highly recommended for the most vibrant colours
The plant is hardy but prefers stable parameters and a quality plant substrate. Bright light is important to avoid loss of lower leaves and to bring out colour.
Placement
Reaching roughly 20-30 cm (the KB record lists up to 30 cm), it is best used as a mid- to background stem plant. Its warm purple-red tones provide colour contrast against green plants.
Propagation
Like other Alternanthera reineckii forms it is propagated by cuttings: top and side shoots are trimmed and replanted to build a denser group.