Common Name(s) - Telenthera, Red temple

Scientific name - Alternanthera reineckii (discussing V. rosaefolia)

Family - Amaranthaceae

Geographic origin - South America

Type (stem, bulb, rhizome, floating, etc.) - Stem

Max. size (height, width) - Up to 50cm, usually less. Leaf width 1-1.5cm, leaf length 3-5cm.

Lighting required - moderate to very high

Temperature - 22-28 degrees C

Water chemistry requirements (pH, hardness) - Grows well in both hard and soft water conditions, but prefers soft conditions. I grow mine with in a pH of 6.8 with a slightly hard gH. Unlike other red-leafed plants, A. reineckii prefers nitrate and phospate-rich waters.

Growth Rates - Medium to fast.

Demands - Prefers an iron rich substrate, bright light, and CO2 injection, but growth can be achieved without these components. Lower leaves will fall off if kept under less than ideal conditions.

Additional info - This colorful plant is undemanding under the right conditions. It propogates using cuttings and lateral shoots, and is another plant that doesn't have to be pruned every week. Though not seen often in "Nature" style aquascaping, A. reineckii is very common in "Dutch" style aquascapes because its dramatic foilage immediately creates a strong focal point in the aquarium and it contrasts well with green plants. It is suitable as either a mid-ground or a background plant and care must be taken to plant individual stems at first, so enough light penetrates to the lower leaves. I have grown mine successfully in 3.73 WPG. I do not have a nutrient-rich substrate, but I supplement my A. reineckii with root tabs placed near the plants. Though I do not have high nitrates levels, my plants have not suffered and are growing well. Here is a picture of this lovely plant, a great addition to any planted aquarium.