Alternanthera reineckii Roseafolia

Alternanthera reineckii Roseafolia

Alternanthera reineckii Roseafolia is a refined color variant of Alternanthera reineckii producing striking reddish-purple leaves whose color intensifies dramatically under strong lighting. The deep, wine-like reddish-purple tones of well-grown Roseafolia are warmer and more complex than standard red reineckii, creating a more sophisticated color presence in the aquascape that rewards careful lighting management.

Care tip: Alternanthera reineckii Roseafolia grows best in moderate to high lighting with CO₂ recommended. Maintain temperatures of 72–82°F and pH 6.0–7.0. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and best coloration.

Growing to 8 to 16 inches, Roseafolia is ideally placed in the midground to background where its warm reddish-purple tones can be displayed in groups. Regular pruning encourages branching and denser growth that maximizes the visual impact of the deep leaf color. The most vivid Roseafolia color appears in actively growing, well-lit new growth at the stem tops.

This variety performs best under medium to high lighting with CO₂ supplementation, which produces the deepest reddish-purple expression and the most compact growth habit. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 suit this plant well. Iron-rich liquid fertilization supports the intense red-purple pigmentation. Regular pruning is particularly recommended for this variety to maintain the vivid color that makes it special.

In the aquascape, Alternanthera reineckii Roseafolia provides warm, rich color contrast that pairs beautifully with cool green and blue plants. The reddish-purple tone is more nuanced than simple red, creating a more sophisticated color palette when used alongside other Alternanthera varieties or contrasting aquascaping greens. It is a classic Dutch aquascaping color plant.

Alternanthera reineckii Roseafolia is a reliable, beautiful stem plant that delivers warm, sophisticated color to any planted aquarium willing to provide adequate light and nutrition.

Care & Specifications