Alternanthera reineckii is a species of aquatic plant in the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. The plant has oval-shaped stalkless leaves which are decussate (each next pair of leaves is perpendicular to the previous one). The leaves are 2.5-3.5 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide. Their upper side is green and the down side is pink or red. In summer small stalkless green-yellow or pinkish flowers appear in the leaf sinuses.
It’s better to keep this plant in a tropical tank provided with tank water temperature about 24-28 °С. It will stand temperature decrease up to 20 °С, but at that its growth rate will slow down. Water hardness and its violent reaction don’t play any sufficient part in this case, though it’s desirable to keep Alternanthera reineckii in water with рН value close to 7. The plant requires constant water renew. It grows slower in old water. Alternanthera reineckii needs very bright tank illumination. This is the factor that influences the leaves color and the plant appearance in general. Natural light, especially direct sunlight is very good for this plant. Keep in mind that filament bulbs may burn the shoots that grow above the tank water. Light day for this plant should last not less than 12 hours.
