Alternanthera Red Broad Leaf

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Broad Leaf Alternanthera reineckii

Synonyms

Alternanthera reineckii 'Broad Leaf'

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Brazil, Central America, South America

Habitat

Marshy and streamside margins in tropical Central and South America, growing emersed or partially submerged along slow-moving waterways

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Moderate

Growth form

Stem

Max height

4 – 12 in (10 – 30 cm)

Spread

6 in (15 cm)

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

Midground, Background

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

6.5 – 7.5

PAR

50 – 100 PAR

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

High

CO₂

Required

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

High

Colors

Red, Green, Orange, Brown

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Farm-grown emersed in Central and South American nurseries before reaching tanks, Broad Leaf AR carries crimson stems and broad lanceolate leaves washed in olive, copper and greenish-yellow. It holds red tones better than most red stems under medium-high light with CO2, but expect lower-leaf melt as submerged growth replaces the emersed form. Best kept as a midground or trimmed background hedge.

Care

Broad Leaf holds its warm red and copper tones more readily than many other red stem plants, making it a reasonable choice for hobbyists moving beyond easier greens. Consistent lighting in the medium-to-high range paired with CO2 injection keeps the foliage from fading toward dull olive or yellow-green. Stable water chemistry matters more than exact parameters, since sudden swings in temperature or nutrients tend to trigger leaf drop along the lower stem.

Planting & trimming

Strip the lower leaves from each cutting and push the bare stem one to two inches into a nutrient-rich substrate, spacing stems apart so light reaches lower foliage. It works well as a midground accent or trimmed into a background hedge. Once stems near the surface, trim the tops with straight scissors and replant the cuttings to maintain density and encourage bushier growth.

Fertilizing

This plant responds well to elevated nitrate and phosphate levels, so a nutrient-rich substrate combined with regular liquid fertilizer dosing supports both growth speed and color intensity. Iron and other micronutrient supplements help deepen the red pigmentation, especially under stronger light. Pale or greenish new growth despite good light usually points to insufficient iron or macronutrients rather than a lighting problem.

Propagation

Propagation is by stem cuttings: trim a healthy top section and replant it directly into the substrate, where it typically roots within a week under adequate light and CO2. Side shoots from topped stems can also be separated and replanted to multiply the stock over time.

Problems

Newly planted stems are prone to some lower-leaf melt or rot while roots establish, particularly if water parameters shift during the adjustment period. Because it is usually farm-grown emersed, submerged leaves that develop later often look noticeably different in shape and color from the emersed form sold in stores. Inadequate CO2 or light commonly shows up as leggy stems with widely spaced, pale leaves.

Sources

1. Alternanthera Red Broad Leaf - Rare Red Stem Plant — Buce Plant
2. Alternanthera Red Broad Leaf — Bunch – Nature Aquariums USA
3. Alternanthera Red Broad Leaf (Bunched) - Tiny Aquatics
4. Alternanthera: Alternanthera sp red broad

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