Alternanthera Rosanervig Tissue Culture

Introduction

Alternanthera Rosanervig is a stunning, vibrant pink-red aquatic plant that adds a striking contrast to any aquarium. Its bold colors and compact growth habit make it ideal for midground or foreground placement in aquascaping. Known for its bright pink veins and bushy appearance, this plant thrives in high-tech setups with proper lighting, CO₂, and nutrient supplementation.

Origin

Native to South America, Alternanthera Rosanervig is a cultivated variant of Alternanthera reineckii, selectively bred for its intense pink hues and compact growth pattern.

Scientific Name

Alternanthera Rosanervig

Lighting Requirements

• High lighting (8-12 hours daily) is required to maintain its vibrant red and pink hues.
• Low light can cause the plant to lose color and grow leggy.

Care Level

Moderate to Advanced – Requires stable water parameters, high light, and CO₂ injection for optimal growth.

Preferred Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
• pH: 5.5-7.0
• Hardness: 3-10 dGH
  Maintaining slightly acidic to neutral water conditions promotes the best coloration.

Placement

• Midground to Foreground – Works well as a color accent in aquascapes.
• Best placed in open areas with direct light exposure to encourage compact, bushy growth.

Growth Rate

Moderate – Faster growth under strong lighting and CO₂ supplementation. Regular pruning encourages denser foliage.

CO2 and Fertilizer

• CO₂ is highly recommended (20-30 ppm) to maintain its vibrant coloration and healthy growth.
• Liquid fertilizers with high iron (Fe) and micronutrients help sustain its intense pink-red tones.
• Root tabs boost growth when planted in nutrient-rich substrate.

Potential Problems

• Fading colors – Often due to low lighting or lack of nutrients/CO₂.
• Leggy growth – Happens when light is insufficient or not pruned regularly.
• Melting leaves – Can occur when transitioning from tissue culture to an aquarium, but new growth will adapt.

Compatible Fishes

• Tetras, Rasboras, and Gouramis – Complement the plant’s vibrant colors.
• Shrimp and Snails – Help clean debris and prevent algae buildup.
• Avoid plant-eating fish like Goldfish and Silver Dollars, as they may damage the delicate leaves.

Other Suitable Plants

• Rotala Rotundifolia – A reddish stem plant that enhances color contrast.
• Ludwigia Super Red – Works well alongside Alternanthera Rosanervig for a rich red color scheme.
• Monte Carlo – A great foreground carpet plant that complements Alternanthera’s bold hues.

Tropical or Cold Water?

Tropical – Requires stable, warm water conditions to thrive.

What Fish Can Eat It?

• Goldfish and some Cichlids may nibble on the leaves.
• Most small community fish will leave it untouched.

A Fun Fact

Alternanthera Rosanervig is often used in Dutch-style aquascapes, where its striking colors create eye-catching contrast against green plants. With proper care, it can grow compact and dense, forming an impressive display in any aquarium!