Tropical shrub alternanthera and its species (with photo). Alternanthera - conditions for growing and caring for open and closed ground Alternanthera red

Man's fascination with the animal and plant world of the distant tropics has created the interesting science of aquarium keeping. Many enthusiastic people want to build their own bright, mysterious world, in which rare vertebrates and invertebrate animals happily swim alongside amazing underwater plants. Having studied the necessary information and made the right choice of inhabitants of the aquarium, the most interesting process of decorating a modern glass house begins.

Among the many types of aquarium plants, you will definitely want Alternanthera Rhineca, like a blazing fire, to attract attention to a cozy corner of the house.

Description

Botanists have classified the plant as alternanthera into the Amaranthaceae family. All warm countries of the globe are home to a plant that develops on land, under a layer of water. Gardeners use beautiful bushes with purple and red leaves to decorate flower beds. Underwater forms of bright plants that came from the Amazon swamps have found a place for worthy decoration of artificial reservoirs and greenhouses organized in people's homes. At the same time, they serve as a natural biofilter necessary for the optimal development of, for example, aquarium fish.

Following the advice of experts, the bushes are planted on the sides, near the center of the aquarium, depending on the type of alternanthera. The stems are located under water and grow quickly. They are formed in the form of a vertical bush or a long trunk. Having reached the surface of the water in the aquarium, the plant begins to feed on air from the atmosphere. Development conditions are changing.

It is important to know! In the open space, aerial leaves begin to grow, severely inhibiting the growth of underwater leaves, which quickly fall off. The decorative quality of the alternanthera is deteriorating. To prevent an undesirable phenomenon, pinch the crown of the stem.

A simple agrotechnical technique allows you to speed up branching and the formation of beautiful bushes.

With quality care, Alternanthera rhineca has bright leaves about 4 cm long. Their width is 2 cm. The shape of the leaves is lanceolate. Oppositely located, green above with shades of brown. The lower surface of the Alternanthera reineckii leaf can be a delicate shade of pink, bright red, or magical purple. The saturation of leaf color depends on the environment, growing conditions, especially on the amount of lighting. The plant blooms in summer. Small yellow, white, and pink flowers are visible next to the leaf axils. By planting different types, you can quickly create amazing contrasting compositions. They decorate the back wall of the aquarium and create beautiful thickets necessary for the various inhabitants of aquariums.

Types, basic rules of care

Botanists have discovered about 200 species, differing in the color shades of the leaves, the shape of the bush, and optimal growth conditions. Among them, the following types are recommended most often for aquarium compositions.

Contents of Alternanthera Reinecki

For the first time in our country, Alternanthera rhineca appeared under the names Telantera osiris”, “T. lilacina", "T. Rubra as aquatic plants. The growth rate, reaching 15 cm per month, made it possible to quickly implement the planned composition options. To be successful, you must strictly comply with certain agrotechnical requirements. First of all, maintain the water temperature around 26, hardness up to 12, pH value around 7. When the water temperature drops to 20, stem growth slows down. Constant lighting with lamps, active filtration, and weekly replacement of a quarter of the water are mandatory. Natural sunlight is beneficial. The total daylight hours should be about 12 hours.

It is important to remember that with too much light, Alternanthera rhineca can die from the rapid proliferation of green algae. A sharp change in temperature conditions leads to the death of leaves and stems.

Alternanthera rhineca is classified as a type of plant that does not require a special soil composition that affects optimal growth. It receives the necessary nutrition from water enriched with mineral fertilizers. Typically, about 0.3 g per liter of water, iron sulfate and nitrogen fertilizers are added twice a month.

Coarse sand is considered the best soil. Roots develop well among it. Propagated vegetatively. Cuttings cut from large stems with four pairs of leaves are used. They are left to float on the water surface. Roots appear quickly. The finished seedling is carefully secured with soil covering the bottom of the aquarium. alternanthera has fragile stems that require extra care during care. This type is the least demanding in terms of the growth conditions created, but does not have the most intense leaf color. The bright red color is characteristic of the Alternanthera reineckii cardinalis variety, which looks spectacular next to the green leaves of other species. Alternanthera mini (Alternanthera reineckii “Mini”) is considered a dwarf form of the plant, forming lush brown bushes. The height of the plant is no more than 20 cm. The variety began to be used in 2007 for planting in the foreground of the aquarium. It is distinguished by the formation of a large number of lateral shoots coming from the mother plant. Growing conditions are normal, as for other species. When there is insufficient light, the leaves turn green.

Alternanthera violet

An unusual plant with rich red, ruby ​​foliage stands out among other Alternanthera species. Both sides of the leaves have bright shades. Looks impressive in a group planting in the center of the aquarium. Alternanthera lilac is an infrequent visitor to home aquariums due to its very low growth rate. In addition, it grows well in fertile soil.

Alternanthera sessile

It is distinguished by the presence of a long stem when grown in a deep aquarium. Dense, branching stem when planted above ground, similar to natural conditions along the banks of marshy swamps. It is often recommended to plant in separate containers. They are fixed to the bottom of the aquarium. Alternanthera sessile requires regular, weekly trimming. Thanks to this technique, beautiful, strong bushes are formed, practically undamaged by diseases and pests. The alternanthera plant is propagated by dividing the bush and cuttings.

For this type, it is important to know that the top of the alternanthera sessile plant, which appears above the water, is cut off, planted in the ground, buried by two leaves. Cut cuttings are also immediately planted without keeping them on the surface of the water until roots form.

Alternanthera sessile is grown in conditions of good lighting and regular feeding with mineral fertilizers.

Of the long-stemmed species, Alternanthera lilacina is often grown. Throughout the year, beautiful stems of the plant, decorated with leaves, the upper side of which has an olive tint, develop evenly. The underparts can range in color from red to purple.

Alternanthera splendida

Botanists consider it one of the most beautiful species. The leaves are pink, red, purple on both sides, reminiscent of Alternanthera cardinalis. An overdose of potassium when feeding leads to distortion of the shape of the leaves. The plant has large roots and takes root slowly. It is difficult to tolerate transplantation. Sand with a grain size of up to 5 mm is recommended as soil.

Alternanthera Betzica

Alternanthera Bettzikiana (A.bettzikiana) has spatula-shaped leaves with a sharp edge. Their olive surface is decorated with yellowish, white, and red spots. Flower buds are located at the ends of the stems. The most famous varieties are golden, juvel, kuntzi, barbed, alternanthera betzikiana green.

Alternanthera rosea

The long leaves of the plant stretch upward, showing their always pink inner side. The stem is thick, has many stem nodes, from which elliptical leaves grow in pairs. The roots are thin and weak. The bush receives nutrition through small shoots located near the base of the leaves. Delicate white flowers appear in the middle of leaf pockets in summer. Next to the red alternanthera bush, an elegant, festive look is created.

Creating underwater compositions has long been a fascinating pastime for many people. Alternanthera rhineca helps to realize the most fantastic ideas of the tropical kingdom, making the corner with an aquarium a favorite place for the whole family.

The genus Alternanthera belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and includes about 200 species of perennial herbaceous or subshrub plants. The stems of the plant are fragile, highly branched. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate, and small in size. The color of the leaves differs among different species; they can be yellow, red, or variegated. If the plant grows in bright light, the color of the leaves becomes more intense.

Alternanthera flowers are small and inconspicuous, located in the axils of the leaves in the form of capitate or spike-shaped inflorescences. At home, the plant rarely blooms.

Many Alternanthera species are grown at home or in the garden, and some semi-aquatic varieties are suitable as aquarium plants. Garden species are used as annual ornamental plants; when wintering indoors, they can grow for several years.

Growing

Alternanthera is a heat-loving plant. Species growing outside in winter need to be moved to a greenhouse with a temperature of at least +12°C.

The plant requires weekly pruning of shoots, then it does not spread across the ground, but forms a large number of additional shoots and leaves, becoming more decorative.

When growing Alternanthera indoors, it can be kept outdoors in the summer.

Most aquarium species of Alternanthera do not develop well when completely immersed in water, since in nature they are semi-aquatic and marsh plants. Therefore, it is recommended to grow them in an aquarium on special side shelves or in containers placed on the bottom. The water in the aquarium needs to be changed partly.

Diseases and pests

Gray mold, aphids, spider mites, whiteflies.

Reproduction

Seeds and vegetatively, cuttings.

First steps after purchase

Alternanthera rarely suffers from diseases or pests, however, the purchased plant must be quarantined for two weeks to identify diseases or pests.

Before planting in the aquarium, aquarium species are carefully inspected and damaged parts are removed.

Secrets of success

Alternanthera grow well in bright sunlight - the brighter the lighting, the richer the color of the leaves and the more decorative the plant. Alternanthera tolerates even direct sunlight well. The temperature in summer should be about +25°C, in winter – not lower than +10°C. The plant is thermophilic and does not tolerate drafts or hypothermia.

Moderate watering is recommended, more abundant in summer than in winter. It is not advisable to allow the earthen clod to dry out. Plants are watered only with warm water. Plants do not need spraying, but the leaves must be periodically wiped from dust.

Alternanthera is replanted as the plant grows, preferably in spring or autumn.

Possible difficulties

Pale leaves, elongated stem

Reasons: 1) lack of lighting.

Leaves lose their decorative effect and become monochromatic

Reason: 1) lack of light, 2) excess nitrogen in the soil.

The appearance of gray mold

Reasons: 1) Excessive humidity, 2) overwatering of the plant.

Alternanthera phycoidea is a spectacular and beautiful plant with two-color leaves, which is valued precisely because of them.

Reproduction of alternanthera

Over time, the alternanthera ceases to be attractive, so it is not grown at home for several years. On adult alternanthera, the stems become much longer, but the leaves become fewer and fewer. Therefore, every year cuttings are cut from the top of the plant, from which new beautiful plants are grown. Cuttings are the only effective way to propagate this plant.

Cuttings from the top of the alternanthera can be taken at any time of the year. They need to be rooted in universal soil for indoor plants at a temperature of about 21 degrees. The cut apical cuttings go deep into the soil to the very bottom leaf. For faster rooting, the container with the planted cuttings should be covered with a transparent film.

The completion of rooting is indicated by the appearance of new leaves. Until this time, the plant needs to be protected from bright sunlight; when the alternanthera takes root, it can be moved to a brighter place.

Alternanthera: growth pattern

Usually this plant reaches a height of no more than 30 centimeters, and the same in diameter. The stems of the plants are densely dotted with leaves, the edges of which are curled up. Their length can be up to 6 cm. The pure form of Alternanthera phycoidea has green leaves, but you just have to limit watering and fertilizing, and all the leaves will become multi-colored.

Alternanthera: care features

To ensure that the plant always maintains its compact bushy shape, its stems must be regularly pinched and trimmed.

Alternanthera phycoidea feels best in a well-lit place. The most suitable soil for it is permeable compost soil. This plant does not tolerate winter very well, so it is practically not grown as a perennial plant.

In order for the alternanthera leaves to become multi-colored, you need to let the soil dry out and only then water it. But you should be very careful: if the soil dries out too much, the plant may wither.

The plant should be sprayed regularly, preferably with warm water. If grown as an annual plant, Alternanthera phycoidea will not need feeding.

In order for the color of the leaves to become saturated, it must be placed in a well-lit place, but protected from direct sunlight.

In summer, alternanthera feels good at room temperature, in winter – 15-17 degrees.

Possible problems

If the alternanthera is illuminated by bright sunlight, even spots will appear on its leaves, especially if the plant was sprayed with water before. It should be in a bright place, but needs protection from bright sun.

Loss of leaf color intensity is the result of insufficient lighting, excessive feeding or excessive watering. In this case, the alternaner needs to be placed in a bright place, stop feeding and limit watering.

Characteristic features of the plant, tips for growing alternatera in a home aquarium and garden, recommendations for propagation, control of possible pests and diseases, facts for gardeners, types.

The content of the article:

Alternanthera belongs to the large Amaranthaceae family, which is sometimes called Shchiritsa. This includes representatives of the flora, in the embryo of which two cotyledons are formed. Almost all species included in the genus grow in lands where there is a tropical or subtropical climate. These include areas of America, Asia, the Australian continent and Africa, but such plants can be found even in the Galapagos. In their natural environment, they prefer to settle in coastal areas, near waterways, which often experience floods or floods.

Family name	Amaranthaceae or Shchiritaceae
Life cycle	Annual or perennial
Features of growth	Herbaceous or subshrub
Reproduction	Seed and vegetative (cuttings or division of rhizomes)
Open ground planting period	Seedlings are planted in early June
Substrate	Neutral, medium moisture
Illumination	Open area with bright lighting
Humidity indicators	Moisture-loving
Special requirements	There are some difficulties
Plant height	0.1–0.25 m
Color of flowers	White, pinkish, green
Type of flowers, inflorescences	Globular
Flowering time	May June
Decorative time	Spring-summer
Place of application	Aquariums, flowerpots, carpet beds, borders, floral designs or portraits, flower beds, pool landscaping
USDA zone	4, 5, 6

Sometimes you can hear people call the alternanthera the Alternate Anther. But the plant gets its scientific name from the combination of the Latin words “alternus” and “anthera”, which translates as “variable” and “stamen”. The result is the phrase “variable stamens” and, in all likelihood, this indicates the alternation of sterile and fruitful stamen formations.

All Alternanthera growing in nature have a herbaceous or semi-shrub form and do not exceed 10–25 cm in height. The shoots are distinguished by good branching and through them the formation of wide bushes occurs. The development speed of such bushes is quite high and they have the ability to reproduce quickly. Often, because of these properties, alternanthera is usually used as a ground cover crop. These representatives of the flora can be grown both in an aquatic environment (aquariums) and as a potted crop. At the same time, the anther is also able to extract nutrients from both water and soil. It is usually grown as an annual or perennial plant.

Alternanthera has gained popularity among gardeners and aquarists because of its brightly colored foliage. The shape of the leaf blades is lanceolate. The coloring can take on shades of reddish-brown, orange, yellow or yellowish-green. It happens that there is a pattern of whitish spots on the surface of the leaves. All color combinations depend on the species.

When flowering, small and inconspicuous flowers are formed, which do not represent any decorative value. They gather inexpressive dense inflorescences, crowning the tops of the branches. The flowers are filmy, their color takes on a white, greenish or purple tint.

Tips for keeping Alternanthera in a pot or home aquarium

• Lighting and choice of planting site. Only under the influence of bright lighting will all the beauty of the foliage shades be revealed. The more sunlight illuminates the bush, the richer the color the foliage will become. With a lack of light, the leaf plates will gradually acquire the usual green color, and, ultimately, it will simply become pale. The duration of daylight should be at least 12 hours, so when growing in an aquarium, lights are needed.
• Water indicators for aquarium keeping. If you decide to grow the plant in an aquarium, then an acidity in the pH range of 6.2–6.8 is suitable for it, while the water hardness should be from 2 to 12 dKH.
• Content temperature alternantera in summer should be in the range of 24–28 degrees, and with the arrival of winter not lower than 15 units.
• Humidity. Very high humidity parameters are most suitable, and only under such conditions is Alternanthera flowering possible, although its flowers do not have any decorative value, but the plant feels fine in dry indoor air.
• Watering When keeping alternanthera in a pot, regular planting is required throughout the growing season. But it is important to remember, for some varieties, that excess moisture is harmful.
• Trimming. If you regularly trim the shoots, they begin to bush very much.
• Fertilizers. It is recommended to support the plant with mineral fertilizers during the growing season, which should be applied once every 15–30 days. When growing in an aquarium, divalent iron salts are added to the water once every two weeks.
• Alternanthera wintering. Because of her love for warm climates, she will not tolerate winter in our latitudes, therefore, when heat indicators approach 15 degrees, the bushes are dug up and planted in containers. During the autumn-winter period, they are kept in a room with good lighting, where the temperature is in the range of 15–17 degrees.
• General tips for keeping an aquarium. It is necessary to change the water frequently - every week up to 20% of the container volume. The plant does not like to be overgrown with algae and loves crystal clear water, so a powerful filter is used.
• Replanting and tips for choosing soil. This tropical plant can be grown as a potted plant. Since its growth rate is low, it should be replanted infrequently, only if the container has become small for the root system and the size of the bush itself. It is recommended to use a soil mixture of leaf and turf soil, with the addition of humus and coarse sand - all parts of the components are taken equal. When kept in a pot, you need to lay a drainage layer on the bottom to avoid stagnation of moisture. You will also need to make holes in the bottom of the container to drain excess moisture. When growing Alternanthera as an aquarium plant, soil does not play a special role, so special compositions of substrates for aquarium flora should be used. They should contain coarse sand, which has a positive effect on the growth of bushes. In an aquarium tank, it is recommended to place Alternanthera on shelves arranged on the sides so that the stems have the opportunity to rise above the surface of the water.
• Application of anther. Since the plant is small in size, it is customary to grow it not only in aquariums; such bushes decorate alpine slides and mixborders, are planted as border landscaping, and also create carpet flower beds, flower portraits and drawings. Because of its love for moist soils, it can be planted in the coastal zone of artificial and natural reservoirs.

You can get a new plant by seed and vegetative methods (cuttings and dividing the old bush).

The first method is quite difficult, since Alternanthera often does not produce flowers, so in floriculture it is recommended to use the second. In this case, preference is given to cuttings. It is customary to cut the blanks for this in the autumn. Then the cuttings are planted in nutritious and heated soil, which can be a sand-peat mixture. The container with cuttings is covered with transparent plastic film and placed in a well-lit place without direct sunlight. The twig blanks are buried down to the first leaf blade, and the length of the cutting should be at least 8–10 cm and 8 leaves. Care will consist of airing and moistening the soil. When young leaves appear, the cover can be removed and the young alternanthera can be accustomed to indoor conditions.

After signs of increased growth appear, the tips of the shoots need to be pinched, which will help them begin to branch, forming new shoots on the sides. Cuttings can take root in 8–10 days. When May comes and the return frosts pass, these plants are transplanted to a prepared place in the garden. To get more lush bushes, it is recommended to place 2-3 young seedlings in one planting hole. If Alternanthera is planned to be grown as a potted crop, then a small pot is selected.

When propagating a plant in an aquarium, the cuttings are simply left to float on the surface of the water. Soon it will develop root shoots and such seedlings can be planted in the substrate.

With the arrival of spring, you can divide the overgrown bush. Usually on autumn days, when heat indicators begin to decrease, the bush of the mother specimen is transplanted into a pot and kept in greenhouses or a prepared room. In such a place it is necessary to create good lighting and heat indicators are maintained at about 15 degrees. In winter, watering is carried out moderately, waiting until the substrate dries on top. With the onset of May days, the alternanthera is pulled out of the flowerpot, its elongated root shoots are pruned, and then division is carried out. It is necessary that each division has a sufficient number of roots and shoots. Then the plant is planted in a permanent place in the garden, pond or pot.

Control of possible pests and diseases of alternanthera

The plant is quite resistant and is not susceptible to diseases or pest attacks. But still, with frequent violations of maintenance conditions, it can be affected by gray mold, especially if this representative of the flora is grown as a potted crop. This problem occurs when the soil moisture is high. To cure, it is recommended to remove all affected parts of Alternanthera, and then treat the bush with fungicidal agents. It can be copper sulfate or similar preparations with a similar effect.

Among the harmful insects that cause harm to the alternatera, spider mites, aphids or whiteflies are distinguished. If signs of damage are detected (whitish specks on the back of leaves or white midges, cobwebs on leaves and twigs, or small greenish bugs), it is recommended to treat with insecticidal preparations with repeated spraying after a week.

Facts for gardeners about Alternanthera, photo of the plant

Since there is information that some varieties have poisonous properties, it is important to clarify this aspect before purchasing.

Types of alternanthera

1. Alternanthera reineckii. Its native distribution area is in South America. The branches of this shrub are about 25 cm long. The shoots have sessile foliage, but sometimes the leaves are crowned with short petioles. The color mainly includes various shades of red. The root system is delicate. It can be grown in aquarium conditions, where the plant is attached to the walls of the container, then the stems can spread along the surface of the water, but if they are completely immersed under water, the growth rate will slow down significantly. In cultivation there is a dwarf-sized variety, Alternanthera mini, which is distinguished by even smaller bushes and foliage.
2. Alternanthera sessilis. This shrub can reach a height of up to 30 cm. The variety is relatively undemanding and has gained popularity among aquarists due to the pink-green coloring of the foliage, but can be grown in humid greenhouse conditions. If completely submerged in water, the growth rate is not reduced as much as that of Alternanthera reineckii.
3. Sweet Alternanthera (Alternanthera amoena) or as it is also called Alternanthera charming. The length of the shoots is not so long and their maximum size reaches 10–20 cm. This species is distinguished by the fact that in the lower part of the branches there is abundant branching. Moreover, while the plant is young, the shoots are covered with pubescence and have grooves. The foliage is colored in greenish-red tones, sometimes giving way to an orange tint. The shape of the leaf plate is oblong-oval or in the form of a narrowed ellipse. During flowering, filmy small flowers are formed, collected in compacted apical inflorescences. The color of the flowers is whitish. The native growing areas are in Brazil.
4. Alternanthera versicolor mainly growing in natural conditions in Brazilian territories. It can grow as a subshrub or have a herbaceous form. A perennial that approaches 15 cm in height. Due to the strong branching of the shoots, the shape of the plant resembles dense bushes with spreading outlines. When the stems are young, their surface is covered with slight pubescence.
   The leaf blades have a blunt-pointed oblong-spatulate shape, with a narrowing towards the petiole. Its length is quite short. The surface of the leaves is covered with wrinkles. The name of the variety indicates the unusual color of its foliage, which mixes different shades of pink, yellow, red and greenish. This species has a large number of garden variations.
5. Alternanthera lilacina or as it is also called Alternanthera lilacina. Naturally, the eye cannot help but stop at the decoratively colored foliage, which is varied on the upper and lower sides. So the top of the leaf is red or greenish, and the back side is dark burgundy. The shape of the leaf plate is oblong. The shoots have straight-growing outlines. If the plant is grown as an aquarium culture, then the length of its shoots can approach half a meter. If the owner provides fairly humid growing conditions, then the formation of whitish flowers is possible.
6. Alternanthera red round It is also distinguished by rather long shoots, on which leaf plates are located in opposite order. They are attached to the branches by means of short petioles. On average, the length of a bush is 20 cm. The growth rate of this species is very low, but if all growing rules are followed, the plant will delight you with flowering. However, such flowers do not have beauty.
7. Alternanthera bettzickiana takes the form of a subshrub or has a herbaceous form. This perennial plant can reach a height of 15 cm with its vertically growing shoots. At the very base, the branches have pubescence. Since they are distinguished by strong branching, they can form spreading thickets. There is a sharp point at the tops of the leaf blades. The leaf shape is spatulate with a slight bend in the central part. The color takes on shades of olive green, while on the surface of the foliage there is a pattern of specks of whitish, white-yellow and reddish shades. Flower capitate inflorescences originate in leaf axils that grow on the tips of the shoots. This species has a large number of forms, the leaves of which are cast in rich shades of green, red or yellow.

Video about the alternator:

Alternanthera is an incredibly beautiful plant that can attract the attention of the most sophisticated person. Being underwater, it creates the effect of a bright blazing flame, which instantly captivates with its impressive appearance.

Alternanthera can decorate any underwater landscape. It is usually used as the main, attention-grabbing element of an aquarium installation. There are species that are used to decorate not only aquariums, but also reservoirs, these include species such as: Alternanthera sessilis, Alternanthera reineckii.

Initially, Alternantera varieties appeared in Europe towards the end of the 1970s, they were brought to us by immigrants from South America, after which they immediately began to gain great popularity and became widely known among aquarists of all levels, from amateurs to professionals.

The genus Alternanther has up to 200 species of these. They are extremely diverse. Among them there are annual and perennial species, plants in the form of bushes and trees. But they are all united by the obligatory presence of counter or opposite leaves. In nature, they are found mainly among tropical and subtropical climatic zones of all continents.

Alternanthera aquarium plant

Alternanthera's inflorescences are usually not particularly remarkable. But this is not required, because all the charm, charm and beauty of these plants lies in their magnificent, eye-catching, enchanting foliage. She won the hearts of people so much that some are still widely used and cultivated by flower growers. They take well to pruning, so various varieties of Alternanther are successfully used to decorate parks or gardens; they decorate a variety of flower beds and flower beds.

For example, species such as Alternanthera amoena (Lem) Voss and Alternanthera bettzickiana boast pronounced scarlet spots, diluted with bright veins, creating an impressive contrast with other plants of the usual green color. Many species are bred specifically for aquariums, as they grow well, multiplying effectively in water.

The most common and popular of these species among aquarists are: Alternanthera reineckii and Alternanthera sesilis.

Alternanthera reineckii: maintenance and care rules

This Alternanthera species is native to tropical countries such as Paraguay and Brazil. There it is known primarily as a marsh plant, which is able to grow for a long time and safely in above-water conditions, but it is also highly adaptable to underwater life. This species has long established itself among gardeners as a desirable decoration for any decorative aquarium. In its natural environment it grows in areas that have been flooded for a long time.

Educational video about the contents of alternantera:

It has creeping stems, which when growing creates the effect of a covered meadow. The leaves bloom in cross-shaped patterns, perpendicular to each other, creating voluminous foliage, despite the relatively small size of the leaves themselves (about 3 centimeters long and 1 centimeter wide). They are colored red-green, sometimes with a pink tint.

The tops of the stems come out and rise above the surface of the water - this is an adaptive mechanism of Alternanthera, allowing it to survive when environmental conditions change. You can verify this yourself by lowering the protruding shoots under water again. The leaves will fall off.

When creating decorations for an aquarium, Alternanthera Reineka should not be planted too densely, as it is quite fragile. In small-volume aquariums, the stems quickly reach the surface of the water, beginning to bloom leaves in the air. In this case, the strength of the leaves remaining under water is lost, which the plant can get rid of by discarding them. Therefore, make sure to promptly pinch the shoots protruding above the water, since in one month they can grow up to 15 centimeters. Timely pinching will also help increase the branching of the stems, which will add even more growth to your plant.

Favorable conditions for growing such an Alternanthera in an aquarium will be water with a hardness of up to 12° and a temperature within 24-28 degrees Celsius, but, having slowed down its growth, it can survive in colder water, up to 20 degrees. pH values ​​should not deviate from 6.2-6.8. An important condition is good water filtration - up to 25% of the volume contained in the aquarium must be renewed per week.

Alternanthera Reinecka mini

Alternanthera Reinecka is extremely light-loving, so it would be a good idea to ensure that the aquarium has bright lighting. The development and color of the plant’s leaves fundamentally depends on this. Fluorescent lamps that create artificial light with a power of up to 0.5 W/l are well suited. Along with artificial, exposure to direct sunlight will also be beneficial. The length of the day should be approximately 12 hours, no less.

The composition of the soil, on the contrary, is not particularly important. Alternanthera Reinecka gets all the essential nutrients it needs directly from the water. Sand is an excellent substrate, since such a medium has an extremely beneficial effect on the development of the plant’s root system. It would not be superfluous to fertilize with mineral mixtures. A couple of times a month you will need to add ferrous iron salts in a ratio of 0.2 mg per liter of water.

Reproduction of Alternanthera Reinecka occurs vegetatively. Cuttings are separated from fairly large, rooted stems, and then placed on the surface of the water. After some time, they grow roots and are then planted back into the ground.

Alternanthera Reinecka is also suitable for greenhouse conditions. To do this, it needs to be provided with bright, long-lasting lighting and moist soil rich in nutrients to compensate for the lack of water in the plant’s environment. The most optimal air temperature for such conditions is 26-30 degrees Celsius. With proper care, Alternanthera Reinecka grows into lush bushes with bright purple leaves in the greenhouse.

Sessile alternanthera (Alternanthera sesilis) maintenance and care

Alternanthera sesilis

This Alternanthera species is characterized by maintaining adaptability to underwater conditions after the lower leaves die off. After this, such an Alternanthera will form new bushes that have a decorative effect. The color of the plant depends on the degree of illumination. So, with sufficient lighting, the lower part of the leaf is bright red or pink, the upper part is usually green.

• In conditions of shading and dim light, their colors shift to purple and brown shades, which in no way detracts from the decorative effect of the sessile Alternanthera, despite the less intense coloring.
• In order for the plant to successfully take root in a new aquarium, it is necessary to plant more or less mature, mature individuals with strong stems and at least four pairs of leaves.
• This species of Alternanthera reproduces very quickly under water, growing in powerful bushy clusters.

In small aquariums, sessile Alternanthera is usually used to decorate the walls of the container, adding up to 15 plants together. In large aquariums, it is planted in empty spaces in the middle, which allows the formation of bushy islands with an area of ​​up to 30 square centimeters.

The sessile Alternanthera species includes two subspecies:

The first is Alternanthera sessilis var. lilacina. This plant can be found all over the world; it lives mainly in places with warm climates. It has excellent adaptability to various living conditions, both above and underwater. Foliage color varies under different growing conditions. The most common plants are green-purple in color. But in some individuals the leaves glow bright red on all sides.

Cultivating such Alternanthera in aquarium conditions will not be difficult. When planted, young shoots easily take root and rarely die. The plant is unpretentious to the composition of water and light intensity, tolerating any conditions well. The only fundamental factor in the cultivation of Alternanthera sessilis var. lilacina will ensure the stability of the aquarium environment. Ideal conditions would be clean water without algae and a pH reading of around “7”.

Alternanthera sessilis var. rubra

The second subspecies is Alternanthera sessilis var. rubra. This Alternanthera is primarily surface-based. It grows at a high speed; in a week it can increase by 20 centimeters at once and produce many leaves. When cultivated under water, the plant branches and only a small part of the stems makes its way to the surface, where it begins to branch again. In total, they can grow up to 60 centimeters in size.

The leaves, as well as the stem, have a bright ruby ​​color on all sides. The peduncles are sessile in nature and are also colored in reddish shades. They usually appear in the middle of pairs of leaves. However, for flowering to occur, the plant must be provided with a long daylight hours - up to 12 hours or more. This is due to the homeland of this Alternanthera.

Under natural conditions, it grows in the tropics with a day length of 12 hours a day. The most optimal place for it in an aquarium or pond will be the center, among larger green plants. Under water, it is capable of rapid rooting, but then is forced to slow down, maintaining a decorative appearance for up to 6 months.

• As soon as the leaves of a plant begin to fall off, this is a sign that it is time to start replacing it with new seedlings.
• For these purposes, it is recommended to grow them in advance, using a separate small greenhouse with very high air humidity and non-directional light.
• In the aquarium where pre-grown individuals are planned to be planted, the water should be slightly acidic.

Alternanthera is a plant of amazing beauty that can miraculously decorate any decorative aquarium or pond. And their adaptability and diversity of species provide you with the opportunity to cultivate Alternanthera in a wide variety of conditions, decorating home aquariums and open reservoirs, creating displays both with the help of underwater forms and with species that have taken root in the coastal soil.

Alternanthera lilacina

Under natural conditions, plants are found in reservoirs with low-flow waters, mainly in South America. She only requires clean water and no direct light. Tolerates complete immersion, but still prefers to rise slightly above the water.

Beautiful flowering can be observed only above the surface; in an aquarium, the sprouts reach no more than half a meter in height. It acquires a bright shade only when there is sufficient carbon dioxide content in the water. For this purpose, special periodic feedings are done. The plant has another name: large anther and is very popular in aquarium design.