Alternanthera reineckii 'Medium' (Red Temple)

*Pictures are of the plant at full potential*

Although Alternanthera reineckii 'can be grown with lower light levels and without CO2 supplementation, it will not reach its true growth potential. Moderate to high lighting (2-4 watts per gallon) and CO2 injection is more ideal. If kept in low-light tanks, the lower leaves tend to fall off. This species can grow well in both hard and soft water, although soft, slightly acidic water is best.

This plant, unlike most other red plants, prefers rich conditions with high nitrates (10 ppm or more) and high phosphate (0.5 ppm or more). If grown under lean conditions under very high light, substrate fertilization placed at the roots will greatly enhance growth and overall health.

Initially, plant each stem separately. This species is easily propagated by nipping off the terminal bud and planting it in the bottom. This also makes the mother plant more bushy, because more side shoots are formed.

The purple color underneath Alternanthera reineckii 'leaves provides an effective contrast to the many green plants in an aquarium particularly when planted in groups. Three to five strong specimens can be used for the background area to help accent the shades of green aquarium plants. Although uncommon in Nature Aquarium layout designs, this is the most popular red plant used in Dutch style aquariums.