Scarlet Temple Variegated

Scarlet Temple Variegated

Scarlet Temple Variegated is a cultivar of Alternanthera bettzickiana that combines the warmth of red foliage with distinctive light-colored to pink venation, creating a striking contrast between the vivid leaf color and the delicate vein patterning visible across each leaf. This interplay of deep red and lighter veining gives the plant a sophisticated, multi-layered appearance that stands out in any planted aquarium.

Care tip: Scarlet Temple Variegated grows best in high lighting with CO₂ recommended. Maintain temperatures of 72–82°F and pH 6.0–7.5. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and best coloration.

Growing to 6 to 12 inches, Scarlet Temple Variegated is compact enough for midground placement while still making a strong visual impact. Regular trimming encourages the bushy, dense growth that best displays the contrasting red-and-vein leaf pattern. Newly trimmed and replanted tops consistently produce the most vivid new growth with the clearest vein contrast.

Strong lighting is essential for achieving and maintaining the most vivid red coloration and the sharpest contrast between the leaf color and the vein patterning. CO₂ supplementation is recommended for compact growth and color intensity. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 provide ideal conditions. Consistent iron-rich fertilization supports both the deep red coloration and the clarity of the vein patterning.

In the aquascape, Scarlet Temple Variegated functions as a more refined version of standard Scarlet Temple — the vein patterning adds a layer of botanical interest and detail that makes the plant interesting even at close range. It pairs well with plain deep green plants and natural hardscape where the venation can be clearly appreciated. In Dutch aquascaping it provides textural variation among groups of colored stem plants.

Scarlet Temple Variegated is a beautiful and rewarding cultivar that delivers the iconic Alternanthera warmth with added botanical detail. A plant that improves with careful cultivation.

Care & Specifications