Alternanthera Rosanervig
Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosanervig'
Also known as Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosaefolia' Rosanervig, AR Rosanervig, Pink Rosanervig, Alternanthera cardinalis 'Rosanervig'
Care at a glance
- Light
- Medium light
- CO2
- CO₂ beneficial
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Placement
- Midground
- Type
- Stem
- Temperature
- 68–82°F (20–28°C)
- pH
- 6.0–7.0
- Hardness
- 2–12 dGH
- Max height
- 9.8 in (25 cm)
- Spread
- 3.9 in (10 cm)
- Nutrient uptake
- Root + water column
- Growth region
- Submersed or emersed
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Origin
- Cultivar (species native to South America)
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
Overview
A good entry point into red plants: it colors up under medium light but rewards higher light and CO2 with a much more intense pink. Plant in small groups in the midground, or trim it low and use it toward the front for a splash of color. Top the stems and replant the cuttings to build a bush, and keep iron and traces topped up since the underside pink fades in nutrient-poor water.
In the wild
The parent species Alternanthera reineckii is a marsh plant from South America, growing along the margins of slow rivers and floodplains where it can live emersed on damp banks or fully submersed when water rises. 'Rosanervig' is a selected cultivar, not a wild population, prized for its pink leaves with pale, light-colored veins. It does not exist as a distinct plant in nature.
Good to know
Alternanthera reineckii sits in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) and is one of the few reliably red aquarium stem plants that are true dicots rather than Rotala/Ludwigia relatives. 'Rosanervig' is a vigorous culture form distinguished by lighter veins and a more compact, less robust stalk than standard reineckii. The pink pigment comes from anthocyanins concentrated in the leaf, which is why stronger light and good iron/micronutrient supply deepen the color.
Did you know
Did you know the emersed (grown out of water) form of Alternanthera reineckii is mostly green on top with pink undersides, and it only develops its full submersed pink once it has adapted to living underwater in the tank?
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Glass Aqua Aquascaping plants and planted tank supplies
- Buce Plant Aquatic plants and aquascaping supplies
- Aquarium Plants Factory Aquatic plants shipped from a California greenhouse
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
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