Alternanthera Reineckii Rosanervig

[FishGuest5123]

Anybody know about this plant? Growing conditions, hardiness?

 

[Stan510]

I had one for awhile. I bought it at Petsmart in a bag. Tissue Cultured I guess. It did well..grew slow but steady. But after a long time..the stems were tall and bare at the bottom. I cut the tops and planted them in more light but nothing worked. They and the old stems just melted.
I watched a ADA vid and like they heard me,they described that very same problem and said it caused by not enough light. I think so too now. My taller plants did start to shade it. But the tops melting in more light kind of hurts since I couldn't save the plant and in fact Deanasue I was just thinking of interneting for more as I think it was the one red plant that actually did well for me. Super red Rotala..just faded,Red Tiger Lotus.grows,then dies far,far,back then grows again- sort of. But at least its alive!

 

[Colin_T]

It's a marsh plant that likes wet feet and dry leaves. Stick it underwater and it rots. Put it in a pot with the roots in water and the leaves and stems above water, and it grows to about 3 feet high and has little white flowers.

 

[seangee]

Alternanthera Rosaefolia is much hardier for aquariums. The centre section of this tank is now covered in fairly dense ground cover. I have not allowed it to grow any higher (using a pair of scissors)

In another tank where I have let it grow upwards its up to around 4-5" and much greener - but that tank has lower lighting. No special treatment other than root tabs and flourish comprehensive as in all my tanks.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Ive had some for about 6 months now, it seems to reach a maximum height and then stops. I think I could trim and replant if I wanted to spread it out some more, otherwise it doesn't do anything after a certain point, at least mine hasnt. Lovely colour though! Can see it in the centre on this next to the crypts

 

[Stan510]

There is an Alternanthera sold commonly at fish stores..that is NOT growable underwater. Its why its so cheap for a bunch of that. It can survive a few weeks maybe,then drowns.
I mention that so you order the true semi aquatic sold. The fake isnt even called when sold. Just "bunch plant".

 

[FishGuest5123]

Thanks, guys. Appreciate the feedback.

 

[Stan510]

The fake one has leaves narrower than the real A.reineckii.

 

[Stan510]

I just read an article that is truthful on red plants in low tech.. I found most of what he said to be spot on. Top of his list as easiest red plant is A.r. 'mini'.
I might order that myself. I would like just a dot of red-burgundy. The fact its mini means it can go in front where most of the light is anyways.