Alternanthera Reineckii Purple

Alternanthera reineckii Purple

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Caryophyllales›Amaranthaceae

📍 South America

Alternanthera reineckii Purple is a vibrant stem plant prized for its deep purple to reddish coloration on the undersides of its narrow, lance-shaped leaves. This mid-ground plant exhibits striking color intensity under high lighting and CO2 supplementation, making it a popular choice for aquascapers seeking dramatic visual contrast. Its compact growth habit and vivid hues make it ideal for creating focal points in planted aquariums.

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Compatible Livestock

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful algae eater that won't uproot or damage delicate stems

excellent

Cardinal Tetra

Small, non-destructive schooling fish that complements planted tanks

excellent

Otocinclus

Gentle algae grazer that helps maintain plant health without harming leaves

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that won't disturb substrate or stems

excellent

Rotala Butterfly

Complementary stem plant that pairs well aesthetically in high-tech setups

excellent

Common Diseases

Melt / Transition Shock

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; stems turn soft and collapse

Treatment

Ensure stable water parameters (pH, temperature, hardness); gradually acclimate plant to new tank conditions; maintain high CO2 and lighting; trim affected portions and allow new growth

Iron Deficiency (Chlorosis)

Symptoms

Yellowing of new leaves while veins remain green; stunted growth; pale coloration instead of vibrant purple

Treatment

Dose liquid iron fertilizer (chelated iron) 2-3 times weekly; ensure adequate lighting and CO2 to support nutrient uptake; check that substrate contains iron-rich components

Algae Overgrowth on Leaves

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating leaf surfaces; reduced light penetration; plant appears dull

Treatment

Increase water circulation and reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily; add algae-eating fauna (Amano shrimp, Otocinclus); manually remove affected leaves; maintain nutrient balance to prevent algae blooms

Nutrient Deficiency (Macros/Micros)

Symptoms

Slow or stunted growth; pale or yellowing leaves; loss of purple coloration; leaf curling or deformation

Treatment

Dose comprehensive fertilizer containing NPK and trace elements (iron, boron, manganese) 2-3 times weekly; perform 30-50% water changes weekly to replenish nutrients; ensure substrate fertility

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Quick Facts

co2: required
lighting: high
placement: midground
substrate: Root feeder; benefits from nutrient-rich aquasoil or gravel with regular fertilization (macros and micros); can also absorb nutrients from water column
growth rate: medium

Water it likes

ph: 6.0-7.5
ammonia: 0 ppm
nitrate: <20 ppm
hardness: 2-8 dGH
temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

Legality

No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.