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Alternanthera cardinalis

Red-purple South American stem plant, midground to background, needs high light

Regular price
£7.99
Regular price
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£7.99
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Quick Facts

Rating: Easy

Common name: Alternanthera reineckii 'Cardinalis'

Origin: South America

Position in Aquarium: Mid/background

Grows up to (cm): 50 cm

Pot Size: 5 cm

Growth rate: Fast

Description

Stunning Red-Purple Stem Plant

Alternanthera cardinalis is a striking South American stem plant that brings instant vibrancy to planted aquariums. With its sturdy red-purple stems and long, pointy leaves, this bushy plant creates dramatic vertical interest and bold colour contrast in any aquascape.

Ideal for Midground & Background Planting

This vigorous grower reaches up to 50 cm in height with CO2 supplementation, making it perfect for midground and background placement. Plant in groups of two or more stems to create lush, colourful focal points that draw the eye through your aquascape.

Key Features

  • Vibrant red-purple stems with long, attractive leaves
  • Bushy growth habit for dramatic impact
  • Reaches up to 50 cm with CO2
  • Perfect for midground and background placement
  • Best grown in groups for maximum visual effect

Care Requirements

Alternanthera cardinalis requires high lighting to develop its intense red-purple colouration. CO2 supplementation is highly recommended for optimal growth and colour intensity. Regular dosing of micronutrients is essential—without them, leaves will become pale and lose their vibrancy. This is a slightly demanding plant that rewards proper care with spectacular results.

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
Alternanthera cardinalis
Alternanthera cardinalis
Alternanthera cardinalis

FAQs

Is Alternanthera cardinalis difficult to grow?

It is moderately demanding. It requires high lighting and CO2 supplementation to develop its intense red-purple colouration and grow at its best.

Does Alternanthera cardinalis need CO2?

CO2 is highly recommended. Without it growth slows significantly and the plant may lose its vibrant red-purple colour, becoming pale and less attractive.

How tall does Alternanthera cardinalis grow?

With CO2 supplementation it can reach up to 50cm, making it well suited to midground and background placement in medium to large aquariums.

How do I keep Alternanthera cardinalis looking its best?

Provide high lighting, CO2, and regular micronutrient dosing. Without micronutrients the leaves will become pale. Plant in groups of two or more stems for maximum impact.

Where should I place Alternanthera cardinalis in my aquarium?

Place it in the midground or background. Planting in groups creates bold colour contrast and dramatic vertical interest that draws the eye through the aquascape.

We're environmentally friendly

  • 1. Sustainable Packaging

  • 2. Fast Delivery

  • 3. Guarantee

Your plants will be wrapped with recyclable Honey Comb wrap - sounds cool because it is :). It interlocks which means we don't need to use tape either, reducing our impact on the environment.

Not only is delivery fast with DPD Express but it's also green as they offset all the carbon their vehicles produce. Guilt free delivery which we're very proud of...

We guarantee you'll be happy with your order. But if you're not, please contact us so we can resolve. We are 100% here to help and will always do our best to resolve any issues - that's a promise.

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