Amaranth redroot (Alternanthera sp.)

KyleT

A pretty difficult plant to get healthy, yet alone keep alive. It's red coloring is nice though and looks good in contrast to a large bunch of stem plants.

g8wayg8r

This plant is slow growing for stem plant, hence, some leaves are prone to green spot algae. I've grown it well with 2 to 4 watts gallon in soft water. Without CO2 and EI, the leaves are smaller and grow is slowed considerably. In spite of the slow growth, this is a welcome trait by keeping the aquascape more or less stable from week to week. Once the roots are established, it branches readily and gets bushy. One stem is all you need to get started.

HatchetHaven

This is deffinatly an unusual stem, as it grows much slower than other stems. However, that is it's only handicap! I love this plant, as it has a brilliant colour and is a cool centerpiece to my tank.

smackpixi

Will concur with the slow growing observation. Gave it a shot under 1.75 WPG strip tubes with CO2, no special fert regime. Not the right tank for it. Pretty much failed...does grow, about an inch per month which you can compare to the moneywort in the same tank which does almost 2 inches per week. Collects algae on it's leaves much like anubias if you have that problem.

Complexity

Be aware that Amano shrimp like to eat Alternanthera reineckii 'Roseafolia'. While I recognize that this plant page is for Alternanthera sp., I think it's still worth mentioning.

Carson Albright

Definatly a slow grower, having some algae problem growing on the leaves. However this plant is without a doubt the prettiest plant in my tank, and is well worth the effort. Stem grows bright red in my tank with pink leaves. I have 3.8 wpg, in a ten gallon with diy co2 and it's surviving, but not thriving

mrchach

I couldnt keep this plant alive... It didnt melt away... but it became engulfed in algae... maybe just my luck

takadi

Whew I thought it was just me. I must have gone through tons of this plant just trying to get it established. Leaves constantly fall off or just melt with the slightest disturbance.

Abs

i have bought a bunch of these and plant them... sad to say it died... i try it in no ferts no co2 and medium lighting.... it died.. hoping i could plant again... T.T

ray-the-pilot

Based on a previous post, I'm not quite sure why Alternanthera reineckii is not an Alternanthera species? Anyway if this belongs in another category please remove it. I have grown Alternanthera reineckii for many years using high light, regular fertilization and CO2. Under these conditions it is easy to grow and very prolific. The color is startling red and is very eye appealing. It will grow emerged from your tank; so, keep it clipped. I have pruned one bunch into a low growing hedge by mowing it down to the substrate every month. I would say that under high light, CO2 and fertilizer, Alternanthera reineckii grows pretty fast doubling in size after three weeks.

1987

One of my favorite plants. Never have a problem growing it.

Planted-Community

very hard needs Co2

Indian fern

planted in medium light no ferts and co2. It turns slightly green and grows an inch per month.

Demon Knifefish

Tons of fertilizer and medium-low light does the trick. The fertilizer contributes to the overall health of the plant and makes it produce more roots. Make sure this one's stems are spaced individually.