Alternanthera Reineckii Is Beautiful!

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
Tank size:
Alternanthera Reineckii can be grown in a variety of tanks; including nano aquariums, but is best cultivated in a tank of at least 10 gallons.

Water type, Temperature, Hardness, and pH:
Temperature:
The ideal water temperature for growing Alternanthera Reineckii is between the range of 19 – 28 °C (68 – 82 °F).

pH:
The optimal pH level for Alternanthera Reineckii is between 6 – 8.

Hardness:
Alternanthera Reineckii is a resilient plant, it will thrive in soft – hard water: 4-15 dGH.

Lighting:
In most cases Alternanthera Reineckii will do best in high lighting. To promote optimal growth and ideal coloration in Alternanthera Reineckii, maintain lighting for up to 10-12 hours daily.

Under high lighting, Alternanthera Reineckii will turn a vivid reddish-pink.

Substrate:
Alternanthera Reineckii can grow in any substrate, including sand and gravel. It does not require a nutrient-rich substrate.

CO2 and Fertilization:
CO2 supplementation for Alternanthera Reineckii is required. This aquatic plant grows well in high-tech tanks.

CO2 supplementation will promote dense growth, spurs the growth rate, and facilitates pearling.

Fertilizers are essential nourishment for Alternanthera Reineckii. Fertilization assists in optimal condition and encourages the steady growth of shoots.

Alternanthera Reineckii is mostly a root feeding plant; the root system is pretty strong. Root feeders, like Alternanthera Reineckii, absorb nutrients primarily through its roots. Meaning, you need to dose with root tab fertilizers.

Care and Maintenance of Alternanthera Reineckii
Care and maintenance of Alternanthera Reineckii is highly dependent on nutrient availability, the intensity of lighting, and if CO2 supplementation is used.

Growth Rate:
This aquarium plant will experience a period of slow growth while adapting to tank conditions. After this period of dormancy and with good conditions the plant will flourish, requiring frequent prunings.

Trimming:
Without regular pruning, the plant will grow quite bushy and that’s good for the mid-ground/ background. A semi-regular pruning can help train the plant to keep the desired shape.

As a foreground plant, the shoots will require constant and aggressive pruning to maintain a short and compact form. Heavy trimmings promote dense growth and formation of side shoots.

The bottom line is to cultivate and prune the foliage into the form or shape you desire in your aquarium.

Planting and Propagation of Alternanthera Reineckii
Like most stem plants, Alternanthera Reineckii may be planted by placing the healthy stems into a substrate. Split the plant into several portions and plant them in the substrate using a pair of aquarium tweezers.

Alternanthera Reineckii can be used in layers to create depth.

Alternanthera Reineckii will often send off runners and propagate on its own. Another surefire method is to cut mature stems in half and place or float the newly cut stems.

Problems Associated with Alternanthera Reineckii.
Leggy bottom leaves: When Alternanthera Reineckii gets really dense the bottom leaves will yellow and die back from lack of light. Regular trimming prevents lower portions of the plant from becoming shaded. It will also maintain the bright red leaves.

Browning leaves: Alternanthera Reineckii is highly dependent on nutrient availability in the substrate.

Benefits of Alternanthera Reineckii
Aquascape: The shape and versatility of Alternanthera Reineckii will be an excellent decorative addition for any aquascape.

Removal of excess nutrients: If you struggle with nitrates, Alternanthera Reineckii will help you out. This plant absorbs and utilizes harmful chemicals that are emitted from fish waste, decayed plant matter, and tap water such as nitrates, ammonia, and phosphates.

Movability: Once planted Alternanthera Reineckii can be easily moved or removed.

Hiding place: It serves as a perfect hiding place for shrimp and fish.

Foraging place: Acts as a buffet of biofilm, which is an ideal first food for newly hatched fry and shrimplets.

Oxygenation: Alternanthera Reineckii oxygenates and aerates the tank water.