Alternanthera reineckii ‘Rosaefolia’ is a premium freshwater aquarium plant prized for its rich red to pinkish foliage and dense stem growth. This slow- to moderate-growing plant enhances aquascapes with vibrant color contrast, particularly against green foreground plants. Suitable for aquascaping enthusiasts, it thrives in nutrient-rich substrates and responds beautifully to high lighting and CO₂ supplementation.

🌿 Appearance

‘Rosaefolia’ features broad, lance-shaped leaves with deep red to pinkish hues along compact stems. Under optimal lighting and CO₂, the leaves display intense coloration, making the plant a standout midground or background feature. Its upright, bushy growth adds texture and layers to aquascapes, creating a natural and visually striking underwater landscape.

🌱 Plant Type (Hard/Soft)

Alternanthera reineckii ‘Rosaefolia’ is a moderately soft (semi-hard) plant, suitable for intermediate aquarists. While adaptable, it requires proper lighting, nutrients, and water conditions to maintain vibrant coloration.

🌡️ Ideal Water Temperature

• 22°C – 28°C
  Supports healthy growth and optimal coloration in tropical freshwater aquariums.

💡 Lighting Condition

• High Lighting Recommended
  Strong lighting promotes compact growth and enhances red leaf pigmentation. Insufficient light may cause leaf fading and elongated stems.

💨 CO₂ Requirement

• CO₂ Recommended
  CO₂ supplementation encourages vibrant coloration, dense growth, and faster development. The plant can survive without CO₂ but will grow slower and have less intense color.

⚖️ Ideal pH Level

• pH 6.0 – 7.5
  Thrives in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions for optimal health and coloration.

🌿 Other Requirements

• Nutrient-rich substrate or liquid fertilizers enhance leaf pigmentation
• Regular trimming maintains compact growth and encourages bushy clusters
• Provides natural hiding spots for fish and shrimp
• Absorbs excess nutrients, helping reduce algae growth

🌱 Propagation

Propagation is simple via stem cuttings. Trim healthy stems and plant them in the substrate. New roots and shoots will grow quickly, forming dense midground or background clusters.

🌿 Do You Know?

Alternanthera reineckii ‘Rosaefolia’ is widely appreciated in aquascaping for its vibrant red foliage, which contrasts beautifully with green carpet plants and bright-colored fish. Its compact growth makes it perfect for creating structured midground plantings in planted aquariums.

🌿 Why Choose Alternanthera reineckii ‘Rosaefolia’?

If you want a striking, colorful, and compact stem plant to add depth, contrast, and elegance to your aquarium, Alternanthera reineckii ‘Rosaefolia’ is an ideal choice. Its vibrant coloration, structured growth, and moderate care requirements make it a must-have for midground and background aquascaping.