Propagating Alternanthera reineckii 'Pink' from Cuttings

How to propagate the pink-leaved Alternanthera reineckii cultivar from stem cuttings, topping tall shoots so new side shoots sprout from the base while the cut top is replanted.

Overview

Alternanthera reineckii 'Pink' is a pink-leaved cultivar of A. reineckii, an Amaranthaceae stem plant native to South America that populates submerged and semi-aquatic habitats such as marshes, stream banks and ponds and grows up to about 30 cm tall. Several A. reineckii cultivars are used as ornamental aquarium plants; the 'Pink' selection is a compact colour accent with shorter internodes than the type, well suited to the midground under strong light with added CO2 and iron-rich feeding.

Because it is a cultivar, 'Pink' is propagated vegetatively from cuttings so that offspring keep the parent's pink colour and compact habit; it is not grown from seed in the hobby.

Propagation Method (Cuttings)

The best results come from cutting off the tall shoots and allowing new side shoots to sprout naturally from the remaining base, while the cut top is replanted elsewhere. This both multiplies the plant and keeps the existing stand dense and bushy.

Step-by-Step

1. Choose a healthy stem and cut the top 5-10 cm with clean scissors.
2. Strip the lower leaves to expose one or two nodes on the cutting.
3. Replant the cut top into nutrient-rich substrate, burying the bare nodes so they root.
4. Leave the rooted base in place; new side shoots will sprout naturally from it.
5. Repeat as the new shoots and replanted tops grow, building up a dense group.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

A. reineckii shows good colour even in less light, around 80-100 umol PAR, but good and higher lighting improves leaf colour and allows greater leaf density, with high-performing specimens grown well over 100 umol PAR. It is flexible on CO2 levels, yet poor CO2 and a less-than-ideal light spectrum lead to poor condition, so added CO2 is recommended. Provide stable nutrient access through the water column or substrate; note that extra iron will not make the plant any redder, so balanced dosing matters more than overdosing iron.

Trimming & Maintenance

Trim on a regular cadence, roughly every two weeks, by topping the tall shoots. Each topping yields a cutting to replant and triggers fresh side shoots below, gradually increasing density. Because the plant grows slowly, patience and consistent, algae-free conditions are essential between trims.

Common Challenges

The main challenges are its slow growth and high algae susceptibility: weak CO2 or an unsuitable light spectrum quickly degrade plant condition and invite algae. Keep growth continual with stable nutrients, favour soil-based substrate, and maintain clean water so the pink colour holds.