Water hedge (Alternanthera reineckii) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Alternanthera reineckii 'Pink', Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini', Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosanervig', Alternanthera reineckii 'Lilacina', Telanthera osiris, Scarlet hygro, Copperleaf
Family
Amaranthaceae (amaranth family)
Origin
South America
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
17–28°C
pH
5–8
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium to high light; medium CO2 (about 6–14 mg/L) recommended for good colour

Care

Alternanthera reineckii (family Amaranthaceae) is a South American stem plant and one of the most popular red plants in the hobby. Plant it in groups in the midground or background, where the pink to purple undersides of the leaves stand out against green plants. Tropica sells it as 'Pink' (the standard form), the small 'Mini' and the pink-veined 'Rosanervig'; other trade forms include 'Lilacina' and 'Scarlet'. Tropica rates 'Pink' as medium difficulty and medium growth rate, needing medium light and medium CO2, with stems reaching 25–50 cm. The Aquarium Wiki gives up to 50 cm tall and 15 cm wide. Strong light, an iron-rich substrate and iron fertiliser give the best red colour; in dim light it turns greener and drops lower leaves. Pinching out the tip makes it bushier. The Aquarium Wiki gives 17–28 °C and pH 5–8. Some plants sold as Alternanthera sessilis are really this species. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); The Aquarium Wiki (theaquariumwiki.com/wiki/Alternantherareineckii); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Cut off the top of a stem and push it into the substrate; it roots readily. The trimmed mother plant branches into several new shoots, so regular pinching both propagates it and makes it bushier.

Compatibility and tank mates

Soft stems are eaten by goldfish, large cichlids, silver dollars and some barbs. Safe with shrimp, snails and most community fish. Tropical.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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