Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosaefolia''
Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosaefolia' (Magenta Water Hedge)
An absolutely stunning variety of Alternanthera reineckii (AR) that is widely considered an easier plant than its cousins one of the easiest red plants for your aquarium. As it is a larger plant than many other AR varieities, it is a majestic and colorful background plant that makes any aquascape pop with color. Most popularly used in the background of Dutch and Dutch inspired planted tanks.
Like virtually all red plants, good lighting is much appreciated. CO2 fertilization is by no means necessary but will produce richer reds and purples, increase the growth rate and enable a denser growth habit. This plant is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get started with red plants and instantly adds visual interest to any aquascape!
QUICK NOTES:
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Origin: South America (Amazonia waterways)
Type: Red stem plant
Size: 30-15cm (12-20") Maximum height in the aquarium
Position and Usage: Colorful background plant. Popular in "Dutch-style" aquariums
Growth rate: Variable depending on conditions - generally faster than most Alternanthera cultivars
Lighting: 3/5 - 5/5
Temperature: 18 - 25°C
pH: 5.0-7.0
Hardness: Unimportant - soft to hard water (4-12 dGH)
CO2: Not required though helps achieve best coloration and growth rate
Propagation: New plants grown from cuttings while multiple shoots will arise on the cut stem
Special Requirements: Good lighting, fine substrate preferred. Iron supplementation, like all red plants, is needed for the best health.
Emersed use: Grows wonderfully as an emersed plant in terrariums and paludariums. Emersed forms tend to be shorter, stouter and may produce small flowers.
Description
A variant of Alternantha reineckii (AR) - a species beloved for its beautiful red coloration and attractive foliage, 'Rosaefolia' is an cultivated ornamental originally derived from plants native to the rainforests of South America. It is one of the classic varieties, more closely resembling plants found in Amazonia waterways and is thought to be easier to maintain and faster growing than many other AR cultivars. Though less demanding, it still thrives in similar conditions as other Alternantheras.
Unlike the diminuative AR 'Mini' cultivar, Rosaefolia is a larger plant and best suited for background placement and is extremely popular in Dutch style aquariums.
AR 'Rosaefolia' produces wider leaves than the similar 'Cardinalis' variant. Under good lighting, these spectacular leaves will develop a lovely magenta/rose coloration which instantly brightens up any aquascape - even in larger aquariums. Stems take on a red-purple hue.
'Rosaefolia' may grow in conditions that may be insufficient for some of it's cousins. It will even grow in poor light but will likely be leggier and slower growing with more subdued coloration.
This larger plant can have a significant presence in your aquarium. Like AR 'Cardinalis', 'Rosaefolia' can get quite tall if allowed to but can be "trained" to a shorter, bushier growth habit with regular, intentional pruning similar to AR 'Lilacina' or AR 'Ocipus'. Cuttings can be planted right back into the substrate to make your AR 'Rosaefolia' display denser cut stems will develop multiple new shoots.
Because of its relative ease of cultivation and wonderful coloration, it remains perennially popular and makes a great addition to any aquarium where it's magentas and purples contast with and compliment traditional green plants. A single portion of AR 'Rosaefolia' can instantly add visual interest to any aquarium and is a great red plant to get started with.
CO2 supplementation is not necessary for cultivation but will enhance coloration and dramatically speed up its growth rate. In conjuction with good lighting, CO2 can also promote a denser growth habit. Good quality liquid fertilizers and root tabs (or a nutrient rich substrate) are recommended to get the best growth and colors.
Like all red plants, A. reineckii 'Rosaefolia' appreciates either an iron rich substrate or substrate fertilizer or adequate levels of iron in the water column. Some have suggested this plant roots best in finer grained substrates though its robust root network will adapt to virtually all types of substrate textures and virtually all commercial plant substrates are welcomed.
As with the majority of our plants, AR 'Rosaefolia' is naturally amphibious and makes a fantastic emersed plant in a terrarium where its unique coloration and foliage can add a lot to your display. When emersed, it tends to grow shorter with closer internodes, smaller, thicker leaves and a bushier habit.
