Allways a good experience , fast delivery , really well packed .
Alternanthera cardinalis
Bold red-purple aquarium colour
- Regular price
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£7.99 - Regular price
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- Sale price
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£7.99
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Quick Facts
Rating:
Common name: Alternanthera reineckii 'Cardinalis'
Origin: South America
Position in Aquarium: Mid/background
Grows up to (cm):
Pot Size:
Growth rate: Fast
Description
Alternanthera cardinalis is a striking red-purple aquarium stem plant that adds strong contrast to planted tanks. It is a popular choice when you want to break up green layouts and introduce more depth, colour and visual impact.
Best used in the midground or background, this plant can reach up to 50 cm in height and works especially well when planted in groups. As the stems grow in together, they create a fuller, more dramatic display that stands out in both natural and more styled aquascapes.
To keep its colour at its best, Alternanthera cardinalis appreciates good lighting, regular micronutrient dosing and a stable planted-tank setup. CO2 is highly recommended for the strongest growth and richer red-purple tones, but even in simpler setups it can still make a noticeable impact with the right care.
You’ll receive a healthy rooted plant in a 5 cm pot, similar to those shown. Each plant is checked before dispatch.
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.
Customers praised this vibrant aquatic plant for its "beautiful colour" and fast growth. Most reported healthy arrivals and excellent packaging. While many found it thriving in various conditions, some noted it requires proper care with CO2, fertilizers, and lighting. A few experienced difficulty, with one plant dying quickly despite optimal setup.
- Absolutely stunning plant. Grows extremely well, had to trim it down a couple of times.
- Beautiful plant spreading really well. The whole tank is brought to life by its vibrant colours.
- They doubled in height and they are the stars of my show.
G
As described, packaged well and now growing nicely in my aquarium.
B
Not sure this counts as an easy plant... we shall see...
D
Growing lovely.
i
It just died very very quickly.
Had a fluval aquasky light on full nit 6 inches from the tip, tropica root tabs, tropica liquid ferts including Seachem Iron but it was either emerged grown and was converting hard or really does need C02. It never came back and description said C02 was not required. Just wont grow for me.
C
Had this plant before from a different supplier when I didn’t know much about plant care and found them hard to keep, hoping to have more luck this time, had in tank just over a week and seems to be settling well with correct conditions but time will tell
K
This is a beautiful plant spreading really well and really quickly. My fish love it. The whole tank is brought to life by its vibrant colours. Highly recommend.
C
Arrived very healthy and seems to be doing well in my tank so far
E
I brought two of these plants and put them in separate aquariums. One was eaten by shrimp, but the other has thrived. The living one is in a low light aquarium and it’s growing surprisingly well, even after two months.
C
Beautiful plant looks great in my aquarium it’s adds a nice splash of colour to the other plants,it’s taken well and growing nicely.
Defo buy again
Y
HEALTHY PLANTS ADDED TO MY TANK. VERY PLEASED
D
Nice healthy plant, adds colour to the tank
R
Best plant in a long time. Has lasted well along with the other plants I bought on the day.
P
Plants arrived quickly and were in excellent condition. Installed in tank and are now flourishing
A
Really pleased with this plant, it arrived healthy and a good size. I have had it in my tank for a week now and it is still thriving.
T
Very happy with this plant, looks great and grows well
S
Absolutely stunning plant. Grows extremely well, had to trim it down a couple of times. Not only grows upwards but thickens out as well. Lovely colour, would recommend for any tank.
L
ALTERNANTHERA CARDINALIS: an excellent small foreground plant with green and red leaves, I split my plant in two washing of the rock wool and replanted into suitable substrate both me and my fish are very happy
T
Great quality plant as usual, without co2 it is thriving in my 37 litre aqua one with standard LED light.
D
Plant arrived in good condition looks great in the aquarium very pleased.
H
Beautiful plant, looks lovely and gives a bit of colour against the green plants. Arrived quickly and healthy, thank you!
K
The fish loved this plant. It was the first of my purchases to disappear completely. It was very pretty while it lasted.
C
Beautiful colour, was so worried it would melt away but even after being shipped over the cold weather, and missing the first delivery (had to be redelivered and it felt like it spent the night in a very cold warehouse), it perked up and haven't lost a single stem. Super quality
G
These plants look beautiful in the aquaria, and they last well. It's clear to see they were grown and sent with great care. The packaging is superb, and delivery is always so fast. Both I, and the fishes, love the red-leaved plants (for different reasons!).
J
Again really pleased with this plant. I wanted a red plant in the aqaurium otherwise all my plants are green. The other plants l purchased from aqua essentials are easy to grow but this one apparently needs a bit more input. I provide liquid C02 every day and a fertiliser once a week. So far the plants are looking very healthy
V
Absolutely superb to deal with first time order and all plants received were superb, labelled, delivered on time. really happy tank looks superb.
these plants growing very well under led lights
C
Always good service plant OK smaller than expected but growing OK.
S
A good size and really healthy plants
k
very pleased with item thankyou
S
Great plants. Delivered in fantastic condition.
T
Perfect
C
Delighted with plants received. They are extremely healthy and clean and enhance my tank beautifully. Well packed plants and prompt service .
L
Great quality and hoping it remains this colour. Growing very well after less than two weeks.
S
As usual ordered items arrived promptly but for an unsolved reason on my part this plant wilted and did not regrow. I was very suprised even shocked as the first failure I’ve had in my quite variously planted tank
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.