Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosanervig' – Red Aquarium Stem Plant

Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosanervig' is a vibrant red stem plant known for its brightly coloured patterned leaves with distinctive light-coloured veins. This eye-catching variety brings bold contrast or a focal point to your scape, making it a great choice for creating visual interest and colour accents.

‘Rosanervig’ combines the classic beauty of A. reineckii with enhanced veining and a more compact, bushy growth habit, offering aquascapers both colour and structure in one elegant package.

How to Use Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosanervig' in the Aquarium

This plant is typically used in the midground or background of aquascapes to create strong contrast with green plants or hardscape elements. It’s best planted in small groups directly into the substrate using aquascaping tweezers.

Under ideal conditions, it forms dense, vibrant clusters that can be trimmed and replanted for propagation. This plant thrives in high lighting and benefits significantly from CO₂ injection and regular fertilisation to maintain its vivid colouration and compact form. Without adequate lighting and nutrients, it may lose its distinctive pink tones.

Maintenance & Care Tips

Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosanervig' requires moderate to high care and rewards proper conditions with rich coloration and healthy growth. Regular trimming is necessary to maintain shape and prevent lower leaves from becoming sparse.

Pruned tops can be replanted to encourage bushier growth. It does best in nutrient-rich substrates, with a stable supply of micronutrients—especially iron—to enhance its red and pink tones. CO₂ supplementation is highly recommended to improve overall plant health and vibrancy.

Emersed Growth

‘Rosanervig’ can also be grown emersed in high-humidity environments like terrariums and paludariums. While the coloration is usually slightly less intense when grown emersed, the plant retains its vein pattern and strong form. With sufficient light and a moist substrate, it adapts well and may produce small flowers under optimal conditions.