Alternanthera Rosaefolia

Biosecurity Shipping Limitations apply

Shipping Allowed?

About Alternanthera Rosaefolia

Alternanthera Rosaefolia is a striking red stem plant and one of the most popular choices for adding strong colour contrast to a planted aquarium. Its elongated leaves develop shades ranging from pink and burgundy to deep red, particularly when grown under stronger lighting.

This plant is an excellent midground to background choice and works especially well when planted in dense groups. The contrasting red foliage can create a strong focal point against green aquarium plants and darker hardscape.

For the best growth and colour, provide moderate to high lighting, regular fertilisation and CO₂ supplementation. While it can survive in lower-tech aquariums, growth is generally slower and coloration may be less intense.

Regular trimming encourages branching and allows the tops to be replanted, gradually creating a fuller and more compact group.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosaefolia'
• Common Name: Alternanthera Rosaefolia, Roseafolia
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Type: Stem Plant
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Placement: Midground to Background
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• CO₂: Recommended
• pH: 5.5–7.5
• Temperature: 20–28°C
• Water Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard
• Propagation: Stem Cuttings
• Colour: Pink, Red, Burgundy
• Aquarium Type: Freshwater

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get Alternanthera Rosaefolia to turn red?

Strong lighting, good nutrition and stable CO₂ levels can encourage more intense red and pink coloration. Individual plants can naturally vary in colour.

Does Alternanthera Rosaefolia need CO₂?

It can survive without injected CO₂, but CO₂ is strongly recommended for healthier growth, better density and stronger colour.

Where should I plant Alternanthera Rosaefolia?

It is best suited to the midground or background, where its red foliage can provide contrast with green plants.

How fast does it grow?

It has a moderate growth rate. Under strong lighting with CO₂ and good fertilisation, growth can become considerably faster.

How do I propagate it?

Cut healthy stems above a node and replant the top section into the substrate. The remaining stem can also produce new side shoots.

Is Alternanthera Rosaefolia suitable for beginners?

It is relatively forgiving compared with some other red aquarium plants, making it a good introduction to growing colourful stem plants, particularly in a CO₂-equipped aquarium.

Common Mistakes

• ❌ Using insufficient lighting
• ❌ Expecting intense red colour without adequate nutrients
• ❌ Neglecting CO₂ in a high-light aquarium
• ❌ Planting stems too deeply
• ❌ Allowing stems to become excessively tall and leggy
• ❌ Failing to trim and replant healthy tops