• Alternanthera cardinalis Variegata
  • Alternanthera cardinalis Variegata
  • Alternanthera cardinalis Variegata
  • Alternanthera cardinalis Variegata
  • Alternanthera cardinalis Variegata
1 5

Alternanthera cardinalis Variegata

Variegated cardinalis — red-purple stems with distinctive leaf markings

£7.99
£7.99
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Quick Facts

Rating:

Common name: Variegated Scarlet Temple

Origin: Cultivated

Position in Aquarium: Midground

Grows up to (cm): 50 cm

Pot Size: 5 cm

Growth rate: Medium pace
Description

Alternanthera cardinalis Variegata is a variegated form of the classic cardinalis, with the same bold vertical presence but with additional leaf markings that add further interest to the already striking red-purple colouration. Like the standard cardinalis, it reaches up to 50cm with CO2 and suits midground to background placement in larger planted tanks.

It needs high lighting and CO2 supplementation to develop its colour fully. Without these, growth slows and the distinctive tones fade. Regular micronutrient dosing is important — trace element deficiency shows quickly in the leaves. Plant in groups of two or more stems for the best visual impact.

Note that variegated forms can vary in the degree of patterning between individual plants and batches.
Plant Sizes

You’ll receive a healthy, rooted plant in a pot, similar to those shown. Each one is hand-checked before dispatch.
Shipping

Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 4pm, Monday to Friday. Tracked 24 Service from £4.99, DPD Express from £6.99.
Alternanthera cardinalis Variegata
Alternanthera cardinalis Variegata
Alternanthera cardinalis Variegata
Alternanthera cardinalis Variegata

Customers praised this vibrant aquatic plant for its "spectacular colour" of red and pink that "adds colour to the aquarium." Most reported excellent condition on arrival, healthy growth, and fish enjoying it. Some noted it may lose color without bright light or experienced melting/deterioration. Generally thriving with fertilizer and CO2 in various substrates.

  • Spectacular colour! Nice contrast to my otherwise green plants.
  • Beautiful plant. Excellent quality as usual
  • They've doubled in size since receipt and look very healthy.
  • 5 stars: 48 (86%)
  • 4 stars: 5 (9%)
  • 3 stars: 1 (2%)
  • 2 stars: 2 (4%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
A
Alan B. (Cambridge, GB)
Seller Reveiw

I recieved my plants in a remarkable condirtion .well packed . Would order from this supplier again.

R
Richard B. (Uxbridge, GB)
Lovely plants

Our fish love these !

P
Paul J. (Beckenham, GB)
Spectacular colour!

Nice contrast to my otherwise green plants.

M
Maureen

Adds colour to the aquarium very nice

B
Brian W.
Review

Excellent quality as usual. Doing well in my small tank

B
Brian W.
Review

Beautiful plant. Excellent quality as usual

J
Jan T.
Review

Beautiful healthy plant but after a week in my tank it's going greener. I don't think it's getting enough bright light but if I light the tank more it gets algae. It is growing tho and it makes a change from the bright green other plants

D
Darren L.
Review

Lovely plant. Arrived in excellent condition and on time. Has settled in lovely and added a splash of colour in my low-tech 200L.

K
Karen H.
Review

Yet another great plant. Beautiful colours. Recommend definitely. I also ordered a moss covered cave and the moss is growing really well on that too. Well done and thank you so much. Definitely recommend to everyone.

D
David F.
Review

Looks absolutely great

M
Mari L.J.
Review

A beautifull attractive plant well presented by Aquaessentials, arrived early well packaged in very good clean and healthy condition.

R
Robert K.
Review

Already growing and spreading with new growth. Healthy plants as always.

J
Jan M.
Review

The plant was a good size and has survived well so far. It has kept its colour and still fairly bushy. I have good light in my tanks and use fertiliser and liquid CO2. I've managed to propagate some cuttings from it so I'm very pleased.

J
Jerome D.
Review

This is a big strong plant, lovely colour of red and pink, looks superb at the back of my planted aquarium.

S
Sandra C.
Review

Liked the snt fish also liked it and it only have 1 strand of plant left

S
SANDRA M.
Review

Good size shame next day is not next day though

S
Sandra C.
Review

Like the colour of this plant

N
Nadia A.
Review

Really good condition on arrival and well packaged. It looks superb in my tank

K
Kenneth A.
Review

Plant arrived very well packed looking very good and healthy thankyou will buy again

C
Carol K.
Review

I bought two of these plants now. Both growing very nicely in a sand substrate. Fed well with fertiliser and CO2. Good delivery and very healthy plants

K
Kenneth A.
Review

Pleased with this plant growing very healthy wither plants doing very well

K
Kirsty W.
Review

Arrived very promptly, very healthy & looks beautiful in my aquarium, fish love it

R
Rita J.
Review

The plants look great in the aquarium and in very good condition with an excellent discount.

r
rikki w.
Review

great type of this plant it took hold quick and has lovely reds and a really solid plant.

C
Carol K.
Review

Great plant. I have separated it, wish I hadn't now. I think it should be kept as a bunch. Growing well though.

C
Customer
Review

Beautiful healthy plants as always keep up the good work guys

F
FRANCES C.
Review

A beautiful plant which is growing well.

S
SC D.
Review

I've ordered these twice now, quick delivery great plants.

A
Andrew B.
Review

Top service as usual. These make a really nice colour feature and offset the greenery beautifully. They've doubled in size since receipt and look very healthy.

p
peter r.
Review

Excellent plant, healthy, robust and delivery was speedy

C
Caroline W.
Review

Lovely plants, great colour. Thriving.

S
SC D.
Review

Great plants, arrived quickly and in very good condition. Wouldn't hesitate to buy again.

s
sheila C.
Review

Pretty colour. Arrived in healthy condition

A
Andrew B.
Review

Sadly much or the two plants I ordered were unusable due to snapped or wilting stems, but what I recovered has been planted and is flourishing.

It's taken very nicely.

Using stratum as a base substrate, topped with fluorite black.

Product FAQs

Helpful details before you buy.

What makes Alternanthera cardinalis Variegata different from standard cardinalis?

The variegated form has additional markings on the red-purple leaves that add further visual interest. Care requirements are identical — high lighting and CO2.

Does it need CO2?

CO2 is highly recommended. Without it growth slows and the red-purple colour intensity fades significantly.

How tall does it grow?

Up to 50cm with CO2. Suitable for midground or background placement in medium to large aquariums.

Where should I plant it?

Midground or background, in groups of two or more stems. Grouping brings out the colour impact far more effectively than planting individual stems.

Why are the leaves losing colour?

Usually insufficient light, lack of CO2, or micronutrient deficiency. Increase lighting, add CO2, and ensure regular liquid fertilisation.