Alternanthera Cardinalis

Alternanthera Cardinalis - Red-Leafed Stem Plant with Spectacular Color Contrast

The Alternanthera Cardinalis is a spectacular red-leaved stem plant that creates a striking color contrast in your aquarium. The upper leaves range from olive green to brown, while the undersides vary from red to dark red. With a maximum height of 40 cm (sometimes even taller), this plant is perfect for the mid- and back garden. The more light it receives, the redder the plant becomes; if it doesn't, it will turn green.

Why choose Alternanthera Cardinalis?

• Spectacular red color: Underside of leaves red to dark red
• Beautiful color contrast: Striking contrast against green plants
• Color variation: Olive green to brown on top, red on the underside
• Light dependent: The more light, the redder the plant
• Imposing height: Maximum 40 cm, sometimes even higher
• Easy to propagate: Via cuttings or topping
• Quickly create a field: Cut off the top and place it next to the current stem
• Multiple varieties: Available in different color shades and leaf shapes

Care and Placement

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

• Placement: Middle and rear zone
• Light: Needs a lot of light - the more light, the redder the plant
• Iron fertilization: Good source of iron recommended to maintain and enhance red color
• CO2: 20-30 mg/l recommended for optimal growth and coloration
• Trimming: Cut off the top and place it next to the current stem for a full field
• Propagation: By cuttings or topping

Important: If the light intensity isn't sufficient, the plant will turn green. Therefore, provide plenty of light and a good source of iron!

Technical Specifications

• Placement: Middle and rear zone
• Maximum height: 40 cm (sometimes higher)
• Leaf color: Olive green to brown on top, red to dark red on the underside
• Recommended temperature: 22-28°C
• Temperature tolerance: 4-30°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• KH: 3-10
• CO2: 20-30 mg/l (recommended)
• Light requirements: Lots (crucial for red color!)
• Origin: South America
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Type: Stem plant
• Propagation: By cuttings or topping

Perfect for Colorful Aquascapes

The Alternanthera Cardinalis is ideal for:

• Aquascapers who want to create color contrast
• High-tech aquariums with lots of light and CO2
• Nature Aquarium style with color accents
• As a contrast to green plants
• Mid- and background planting
• Dutch Aquarium style with colorful streets
• Aquariums where you want to trim and shape regularly

Combination tips

Combine Alternanthera Cardinalis with green plants like Bacopa, Rotala, or Ludwigia for a spectacular color contrast. The red undersides of the leaves are most prominent when planted in groups. It also complements green background plants perfectly to create pops of color.

Note: This plant requires plenty of light and a good source of iron to maintain its red color. Insufficient light will cause the plant to turn green. CO2 supplementation is strongly recommended for optimal growth and color!