Stoffels Alternanthera reineckii ‘Lila’ – Submerged

The Alternanthera reineckii ‘Lila’ is a stunning aquatic plant known for its vibrant shades of purple and red, which create striking contrast in aquascapes. This plant is well-suited for midground or background placement, adding depth and a splash of color. ‘Lila’ grows well submerged in aquariums with the right conditions and is favored for its ability to bring a dynamic and eye-catching element to the tank.

Key Features:

• Vibrant Red and Purple Leaves: Alternanthera reineckii ‘Lila’ has stunning deep purple and red hues that intensify under proper lighting, making it a visual highlight in any aquascape.
• Medium Difficulty Level: This plant requires stable water conditions, medium to high lighting, and ideally CO2 supplementation to thrive, making it more suited for intermediate aquarists.
• Dense Growth Pattern: The compact, dense growth makes it ideal for filling out midground or background areas of the aquarium, providing a lush, colorful backdrop.
• Height and Spread: With its bushy appearance and moderate height, it can be trimmed to maintain the desired shape and promote a more compact form.

Care Requirements:

• Lighting: Alternanthera reineckii ‘Lila’ requires medium to high lighting to maintain its vibrant colors and promote healthy growth. With insufficient light, the plant may lose its intense coloration and grow leggy.
• CO2: CO2 supplementation is highly recommended for this plant to achieve the best color and growth rate. CO2 helps produce more vibrant colors and a bushier appearance.
• Water Parameters: This plant prefers stable, slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 5.5-7.5 and temperatures between 20-28°C. Nutrient-rich substrate and water column fertilization are beneficial for optimal growth.
• Trimming: Regular trimming encourages lateral shoot growth and helps maintain a compact, bushy form. Trimmed sections can be replanted to propagate more plants.

Planting Tips:

• Plant Alternanthera reineckii ‘Lila’ in a nutrient-rich substrate, spacing the stems evenly to allow light to reach all parts of the plant.
• Ensure medium to high lighting, with CO2 supplementation, to maintain the vibrant coloration and bushy growth characteristic of this plant.
• Position the plant in the midground or background, where its colorful leaves can serve as a focal point, contrasting well with green foreground plants.