Alternanthera reineckii is a species of aquatic plant. Several cultivars are used in the aquarium trade.
This is a small herbaceous plant that, when living in marsh conditions, has two forms: emergent (in which case the plant has grown out of the water and/or onto the ground), and submergent (in which case the plant has grown underwater). The leaves have a wide cross shape, lanceolate to elliptic, getting thinner where the leafstalk should be or with a very short leafstalk. The leaves grow to 1.5 inches (4cm) long and 0.6 inches (15mm) wide. The upper surface of the leaf is dark green to olive green, and the underside is light green to light carroty. The plant can reach up to 22 inches (55.8cm) in height in good conditions, and can even grow out of the water.
This is a small herbaceous plant that, when living in marsh conditions, has two forms: emergent (in which case the plant has grown out of the water and/or onto the ground), and submergent (in which case the plant has grown underwater). The leaves have a wide cross shape, lanceolate to elliptic, getting thinner where the leafstalk should be or with a very short leafstalk. The leaves grow to 1.5 inches (4cm) long and 0.6 inches (15mm) wide. The upper surface of the leaf is dark green to olive green, and the underside is light green to light carroty. The plant can reach up to 22 inches (55.8cm) in height in good conditions, and can even grow out of the water.
image source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Alternanthera_02.jpg
Cultivation in aquariums can be difficult. This plant needs high intensity lighting, a good substrate, nutrient rich water, and supplemental CO2. Propagation is most commonly performed by taking cuttings, though the plant can also be grown from seed. Cuttings can be left to float until they form roots and then planted in the substrate. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures (down to at least 63F, 17C) and water conditions.
When purchasing for the aquarium, obtain plants that have been raised submersed. A wide variety of leaf color forms are available, e.g. 'Pink' ('roseafolia' / 'lilacina'), but these seem to be at least partially influenced by light intensity.
