Alternanthera reineckii red broad leaf

Alternanthera reineckii red broad leaf

Alternanthera reineckii red broad leaf is a bold variant of the classic Alternanthera reineckii, distinguished by its notably wider leaves that create more visual mass and color impact per stem than standard narrow-leaved forms. The broad, striking red leaves under strong light make this variant particularly effective for creating large-scale color fields in the background of planted aquariums and Dutch-style layouts.

Care tip: Alternanthera reineckii red broad leaf 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 12 to 20 inches, Alternanthera reineckii red broad leaf is a natural background plant. Its broader leaf size means fewer stems are needed to create a visually impactful mass, making it slightly more practical than finer-leaved varieties for large background plantings. Regular trimming maintains compact growth and ensures consistent new-growth color at the top of the stems.

High lighting is essential for the full red coloration of this variety — the broad leaves display their richest color under intense light with CO₂ supplementation. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 provide ideal conditions. Iron-rich liquid fertilization directly supports the red pigmentation across the broad leaf surface. Strong light without CO₂ can lead to algae on the wide leaves, so CO₂ is strongly recommended.

In the aquascape, the broad leaves of this variant create a different visual texture from standard fine-leaved Alternanthera, producing a bolder, more graphic background element. It pairs beautifully with fine-leaved foreground plants and mosses where the contrast between broad and fine-textured plants adds visual rhythm. In Dutch aquascaping, the broad leaf form creates useful variation among groups of different Alternanthera varieties.

Alternanthera reineckii red broad leaf is a bold and rewarding variant for aquarists who want the classic Alternanthera red with added visual weight and impact. Its impressive leaf size makes every stem count.

Care & Specifications