Alternanthera Lilacina

Alternanthera Lilacina - Bordeaux to Deep Red Stem Plant

The Alternanthera Lilacina is a spectacular red-leaved stem plant with leaves ranging from burgundy to deep red. Also known as Alternanthera reineckii 'Lila' or 'Purple', this plant creates a striking and beautiful contrast against green aquarium plants. With a maximum height of 60 cm, this imposing plant is perfect for the mid- and back garden. A good source of iron is essential to maintain and enhance the intense red color.

Why choose Alternanthera Lilacina?

• Intense red color: Leaves range from burgundy to deep red
• Beautiful color contrast: Striking contrast against green plants
• Impressive height: Maximum 60cm, perfect for background
• Color variation: Multiple color shades and leaf shapes
• Easy to propagate: Via cuttings
• Wide temperature tolerance: Thrives at 18-26°C (tolerance 4-30°C)
• Multiple names: Also known as Alternanthera reineckii 'Lila' and 'Purple'

Care and Placement

The Alternanthera Lilacina is a stem plant that requires specific care for optimal red coloration:

• Placement: Middle and rear zone
• Light: Lots of light needed for optimal red coloration
• Iron fertilization: A good source of iron is essential to maintain and enhance red color.
• CO2: 20-30 mg/l recommended for optimal growth and coloration
• Trimming: Trim regularly for compact growth
• Propagation: By cuttings

Important: A good source of iron is essential to maintain and enhance the intense burgundy to deep red color!

Technical Specifications

• Placement: Middle and rear zone
• Maximum height: 60 cm
• Leaf color: Bordeaux to deep red
• Recommended temperature: 18-26°C
• Temperature tolerance: 4-30°C
• pH: 5.0-8.0
• KH: 0-14
• CO2: 20-30 mg/l (recommended)
• Light requirements: Lots
• Origin: South America
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Type: Stem plant
• Other names: Alternanthera reineckii 'Lila', Alternanthera reineckii 'Purple'
• Propagation: By cuttings

Perfect for Colorful Aquascapes

The Alternanthera Lilacina is ideal for:

• Aquascapers who want intense red color accents
• High-tech aquariums with lots of light and CO2
• Nature Aquarium style with color contrast
• As a striking background plant
• Dutch Aquarium style with colorful streets
• Aquariums where you want to create spectacular contrasts
• Aquariums where you want to trim and shape regularly

Combination tips

Combine Alternanthera Lilacina with green plants like Bacopa, Rotala, or Ludwigia for a spectacular color contrast. The intense burgundy to deep red color is best displayed in groups against a background of green plants. It also pairs perfectly with other red plants like Alternanthera Cardinalis for a varied red palette.

Note: This plant requires plenty of light and a good source of iron to maintain its intense burgundy to deep red color. CO2 supplementation is strongly recommended for optimal growth and color!