Alternanthera Sessilis

Alternanthera Sessilis - Compact Red-Leafed Stem Plant

The Alternanthera sessilis is a compact, red-leaved stem plant with a maximum height of only 25 cm. The upper leaves range from olive green to brown, while the undersides vary from red to dark red. This plant creates a striking and beautiful contrast against green aquarium plants. Note: This plant requires a lot of light for optimal red coloration—more than other Alternanthera species!

Why choose Alternanthera Sessilis?

• Compact size: Maximum 25 cm high, smaller than other Alternantheras
• Red underside: Leaves red to dark red on the underside
• Color variation: Top olive green to brown
• Beautiful color contrast: Striking contrast against green plants
• Multiple varieties: Available in different color shades and leaf shapes
• Easy to propagate: Via cuttings
• Wide temperature tolerance: Thrives at 18-26°C (tolerance 4-30°C)

Care and Placement

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

• Placement: Middle and rear zone
• Light: Needs lots of light – more than other Alternanthera species!
• Iron fertilization: A good source of iron is essential to maintain and enhance red color.
• CO2: 10-40 mg/l (wide range, but higher values ​​recommended)
• Trimming: Trim regularly for compact growth
• Propagation: By cuttings

Important: This plant requires a lot of light—more than other Alternanthera varieties. A good source of iron is essential to maintain its red color!

Technical Specifications

• Placement: Middle and rear zone
• Maximum height: 25 cm (compact!)
• Leaf color: Olive green to brown on top, red to dark red on the underside
• Recommended temperature: 18-26°C
• Temperature tolerance: 4-30°C
• pH: 5.0-7.0
• KH: 0-14
• CO2: 10-40 mg/l
• Light requirements: Lots of it (crucial!)
• Origin: South America
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Type: Stem plant
• Propagation: By cuttings

Perfect for Colorful Aquascapes

The Alternanthera Sessilis is ideal for:

• High-tech aquariums with lots of light and CO2
• Aquascapers who want compact red plants
• Nature Aquarium style with color contrast
• As a red accent in the middle and rear area
• Dutch Aquarium style with colorful streets
• Aquariums with professional lighting (a lot of light required!)
• Aquariums where you want to trim and shape regularly

Combination tips

Combine Alternanthera Sessilis with green plants like Bacopa, Rotala, or Ludwigia for a spectacular color contrast. Its compact growth makes it suitable for mid-ground planting. It also pairs perfectly with other Alternanthera varieties for a varied red palette.

Note: This plant requires a lot of light—more than other Alternanthera varieties! Without sufficient light, the red color will disappear. A good source of iron and CO2 supplementation are highly recommended for optimal growth and coloration!