Alternanthera Cardinalis

You will receive: 1 pot, ready to plant — freshly delivered from the nursery.

⚠️ Level: Advanced — Alternanthera Cardinalis needs a lot of light and CO₂ for the best color and growth.

Alternanthera Cardinalis is a spectacular red-leaved stem plant with a distinct color contrast: the top of the leaf is dark red to brownish-red, while the underside is bright pink to magenta. A true eye-catcher for the mid-ground or background.

🌿 Plant specifications

🚚 Delivery & Guarantee

• Freshly delivered from the nursery — ready to plant
• Shipping Tuesday or Friday → Read more about shipping
• Delivery with track & trace, usually within 1–2 business days
• Received dead? We will solve this together. Contact us within 24 hours of receipt with a photo.
• Free shipping from €59,-

✂️ Care

Plenty of light and CO₂ are essential for compact, colorful growth. Without sufficient light, the stems will stretch and the color will fade. Liquid fertilizer like Sera Florena further enhances color intensity. Prune regularly to encourage branching.

💡 Planting tip

Plant in groups of 5–7 stems for maximum color effect. Combine with green plants such as Rotala sp. 'Green' for a strong contrast.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Can I keep this plant without CO₂?
It's possible, but the plant will stretch and lose its compact shape and intense color. For the best result, CO₂ is highly recommended.

Why does the leaf have two colors?
This is a natural characteristic of the species — the top is dark red, the underside bright pink to magenta, providing a unique color contrast.

My plant arrived yellow or limp — is that normal?
Yes, this is transport stress and almost always temporary. Give the plant 1–2 weeks to acclimatize. For persistent problems: please contact us.

Is this plant suitable for a shrimp tank?
Yes, completely shrimp-friendly.

Do you have another question? Feel free to contact us — we are happy to help you choose the right plants for your aquarium.