Also known as AR Lilacina, Telanthera lilacina, Alternanthera reineckii 'Purple', Alternanthera reineckii 'Lila', Alternanthera reineckii 'Burgunderrot', Purple scarlet temple
Cultivated form (nursery selection, no wild range)
Overview
Alternanthera Lilacina makes a tall red group for the midground or background. It is a stem plant of medium difficulty, and Aquasabi calls it a plant long known in the hobby.
Did you know
Alternanthera Lilacina also goes by 'Burgunderrot', German for burgundy red, in Flowgrow's list of its names. Dennerle sells the same plant as 'Purple' and says the purple leaf undersides gave it that name.
Caring for Alternanthera Lilacina
Strip the lower leaves and plant each stem on its own in the midground or background. Space the stems so light reaches the lower leaves.
Alternanthera Lilacina needs at least medium light, and strong light keeps the shoots compact with the leaves set close together. In weaker light the leaf tops drift toward olive green. Dennerle recommends medium to high light and 20 to 30 mg/l of CO2, though the plant grows without CO2, only more slowly. Give it a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs, a liquid fertilizer and regular iron dosing for the best color.
Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C), where it grows at a moderate pace. Trim and replant the tops, or cut off side shoots, to thicken the group.
Good to know
Alternanthera Lilacina is a trade form of A. reineckii in the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. Its leaves are wine red to dark red on top and purple underneath. Buce Plant and Aquatic Motiv describe them as longer and narrower than the leaves of standard reineckii. Flowgrow lists Lilacina at 20 to 60 cm tall, against 20 to 40 cm for Rosaefolia. Alternanthera lilacina and Telanthera lilacina are shop names that match no published species.
In the wild
Alternanthera Lilacina is a cultivated form with no wild range of its own. Its species, Alternanthera reineckii, grows along South American riverbanks that flood during the rainy season. The species was first imported to the Netherlands in 1965 as Telanthera osiris.
Common questions
Is Alternanthera Lilacina a different species from Alternanthera reineckii?
No. Alternanthera Lilacina is a form of Alternanthera reineckii. It reaches about 23.6 in (60 cm), against 19.7 in (50 cm) for the species. It also differs in spread.
Does Alternanthera Lilacina need to be planted in the substrate?
Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.
Does Alternanthera Lilacina need CO2?
No, but it helps. Alternanthera Lilacina can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.
How much light does Alternanthera Lilacina need?
Alternanthera Lilacina wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.
Does Alternanthera Lilacina need root tabs?
They help. Alternanthera Lilacina takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.
How do you propagate Alternanthera Lilacina?
Alternanthera Lilacina propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.
How tall does Alternanthera Lilacina grow?
Alternanthera Lilacina grows to about 23.6 in (60 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.
Medium lightMidground23.6 in (60 cm)
Medium lightMidground19.7 in (50 cm)
Medium lightMidground19.7 in (50 cm)
High lightMidground19.7 in (50 cm)
Medium lightMidground19.7 in (50 cm)
High lightMidground19.7 in (50 cm)