Alternanthera reineckii Rosaefolia
Alternanthera reineckii Rosaefolia
Also known asPink alternanthera · Roseafolia · Telanthera
Water parameters
Light and nutrients
Substrate type: nutrient preferred. Propagation: stem cuttings.
Substrate compatibility
| Substrate | pH effect | Nutrient load |
|---|---|---|
| Aquasoil (ADA Amazonia) | lowers pH | very high |
| Mineralized clay substrate (Seachem Fluorite) | neutral / inert | moderate |
| Dirted tank (mineralized topsoil) (DIY soil substrate) | slightly acidic | very high |
| Inert sand (Pool filter sand) | neutral / inert | none |
With fish
Origin and habitat
Cultivar of Alternanthera reineckii originally selected in aquarium nurseries for its narrower, more intensely pink-purple leaves than the standard form. The wild parent species is native to South American floodplains. 'Rosaefolia' has become one of the most popular named Alternanthera cultivars in the aquascaping hobby, commonly available from tissue culture. The leaves are lanceolate, pointed, and develop vivid magenta to deep pink coloring under high light with CO2. Emersed (farm-grown) specimens look very different from the submerged form: green leaves with reddish undersides. The transition to submerged growth takes 2-4 weeks, during which the plant may drop some emersed leaves before producing new submerged foliage.
Care notes
Similar requirements to the standard A. reineckii but considered slightly more demanding in terms of light and CO2. Strong lighting is essential; this cultivar loses its pink coloration faster under low light than the standard form, reverting to dull olive-brown within a few weeks. CO2 injection makes a significant difference: with CO2 at 20-30 ppm and high light (70+ PAR at substrate), the leaves develop the vivid magenta-pink that makes this plant desirable. Without CO2, expect muted pinkish-brown at best, which may not be worth the effort. Iron supplementation (either through root tabs or water column dosing) is important for red and pink pigment production; iron-deficient plants lose color starting at the newest leaves, which emerge pale green. Trim and replant tops every 3-4 weeks to prevent the lower stem from becoming bare and leggy. The cut lower stem produces side shoots within 1-2 weeks, creating a bushier growth pattern over time. Moderate nitrate levels (10-20 ppm) seem to produce the best coloring; very high nitrate (above 30 ppm) can push red plants toward green. Propagation is by stem cuttings: cut the top 10–15 cm and replant. Plant in groups of 5+ stems for visual impact. In aquascaping, Rosaefolia is commonly used as a midground accent color, positioned where it catches strong direct light from above.