Alternanthera reineckii 'Cardinalis'
Alternanthera reineckii 'Cardinalis'
QUICK NOTES:
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Stem
Size: Individual stem height of 10 – 25cm, width 5 – 10cm
Position and Usage: Midground to background placement
Growth rate: Moderate
Lighting: 3/5 - 5/5
Water Conditions: 22 - 28°C
CO2: Recommended but not required
Propagation: Cuttings
Special Requirements: Iron supplementation, pH of 6.0 to 7.5
Description
A cultivar variant of the Alternantha reineckii species, “Cardinalis” is a sought-after, ornamental species native to South America. Alternantha reineckii ‘Cardinalis’ will likely produce narrower leaves than those of the more common ‘Rosaefolia’ variety. Under intense lighting, these leaves will adopt deep red hues, effectively warming your aquascape.
This species will grow upright and may appear more vertical in nature than that of its relative, Alternantha reineckii “Ocipus”. Regular trimming may encourage bushier growth, and resultant clippings can be planted into the substrate to induce new, propagative clusters.
CO2 supplementation may not be necessary for cultivation but will enhance leaf vibrancy and growth. Likewise, liquid fertilization and root tabs will also stimulate growth. A. reineckii “Cardinalis” may require an iron rich substrate in order to thrive.
