Alternanthera reineckii Medium is a classic red stem plant prized for its lance-shaped leaves and rich pink-to-wine tones. Stems form an upright, bushy clump that catches the eye in the midground, the undersides and new growth often showing the strongest red. Leaves vary between selections and lighting; in stronger, well-fed aquaria the plant develops compact internodes and vivid colour, while in lower-energy tanks it becomes taller and greener.
Use it as a midground colour contrast or a repeated band to lead the eye through a layout. It pairs well with fine-leaved foregrounds or darker green midground plants and provides a striking backdrop for small schools and shrimp. Groups planted in staggered rows give a natural, layered look; alternating heights or mixing with other red stems adds depth without overwhelming the aquascape.
This plant suits aquascapers who want a colourful focal midground that responds visibly to light, CO2 and fertiliser. It is not the easiest red plant for very low-tech tanks but will perform well for hobbyists prepared to supply moderate to strong light and regular nutrient dosing. With trimming and balanced conditions it keeps a dense, colourful appearance and works in community, shrimp and planted-species aquaria.
Care guide
Grow a better match.
Use these notes to shape a planted setup around the plant, then speak with our team about the aquarium you have in mind.
Plant single stems 1–3 cm apart into a loose, nutrient-rich substrate and firm them so they stand upright. Provide 8–10 hours of stable light and dose a balanced liquid fertiliser regularly; use root tabs under larger clumps to supply phosphate and potassium near the roots. Injected CO2 is recommended for best colour and vigour but the plant will survive without it at a slower rate; liquid carbon is only a modest supplement and not a substitute. Keep a routine of weekly light periods, regular fertiliser dosing and small water changes to maintain nutrient balance; reduce light or nutrients if you see persistent algae.
Practical details
Plan the conditions.
Placement
Midground
Lighting
Moderate to high Provide about 8–10 hours of quality light daily; stronger light produces more compact growth and deeper red tones. Signs of too little light are leggy stems, loss of red colour and slower growth; too much light (without balanced nutrients/CO2) often leads to surface algae on leaves.
Growth rate
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
CO2 requirements
Recommended It will survive without injected CO2 but growth will be slower and colours paler; injected CO2 greatly improves growth rate, leaf intensity and compactness. Liquid carbon is not an equivalent to pressurised CO2; when light, CO2 and nutrients are out of balance there is a higher risk of algae.
Typical height
20–40 cm
Origin
A South American species native to river margins and seasonally wet areas from Bolivia and Paraguay into Brazil. Many aquarium forms are cultivated selections derived from these wild stocks.
Care and growth
Set it up well.
Plant as individual stems 1–3 cm apart in the midground into a nutrient-rich substrate; avoid burying the crown. Use root tabs for long-term root nutrition and a complete liquid fertiliser for nitrate, phosphate and micronutrients. Regular trimming encourages a bushier habit and prevents shading of lower leaves; cut stems and replant the tops to propagate. Ideal temperature is roughly 22–28°C and pH about 6.0–7.5; it tolerates a range but colour and growth improve in stable, slightly acidic water. Acclimatise emersed-grown or nursery plants by trimming damaged leaves and planting stems shallowly; expect some melting of old emersed leaves before new submerged growth appears. Common problems are loss of red colour (check light, CO2 and iron/micronutrients), transparent or holey leaves from nutrient imbalance or snails, and algae on slow or weakened plants.
Trimming and propagation
Look beyond the first day.
Alternanthera spreads as upright stems rather than runners; to keep a compact band trim the top third of stems or cuttings and replant the tips. Regular pinching encourages side shoots and a bushier habit, while leaving some taller stems adds vertical interest. Propagate by cutting healthy apical stems and inserting them directly into the substrate, or by splitting larger clumps. Newly added emersed-grown plants commonly lose older leaves and produce fresh submerged leaves after a short transition; trim away heavily damaged foliage to encourage new growth.
Questions
Plan before you plant it.
For a specific plant, current stock or a planted tank question, speak with the Aquarium Zone team before travelling.
Is Alternanthera Reineckii Medium available at Aquarium Zone in Ballina?
Plant stock changes week to week, so contact Aquarium Zone before visiting if you are looking for Alternanthera Reineckii Medium. The team can also suggest similar plants if it is not in stock.
Will Alternanthera Reineckii Medium suit my aquarium?
Bring your tank size, lighting, substrate, CO2 setup and a photo of your aquascape, and the team can help you decide whether Alternanthera Reineckii Medium suits it and where to plant it.
Do you serve customers outside Ballina?
Yes. Aquarium Zone serves aquarium hobbyists from Ballina, Lennox Head, Alstonville, Wollongbar, Bangalow, Byron Bay, Lismore, Evans Head, Mullumbimby, Casino and the wider Northern Rivers.
