Scarlet Temple (Alternanthera reineckii)

Scarlet Temple is a very popular aquarium plant that displays the red coloration that provides a distinct highlight to the planted aquarium!

Scarlet Temple (Alternanthera reineckii) is a very popular foreground plant for the serious planted freshwater aquarium.  With proper care, this hardy, slow-growing plant can flourish and form a dense colony in aquariums of all sizes, and it is an excellent foreground plant for larger aquariums.  Its bright red to maroon coloration is very uncommon among most aquarium plants, and its relatively simple requirements make it an excellent candidate to be a standout plant in the planted aquarium.

Scarlet Temple requires moderate to high lighting.  Its horizontal and side stems can be trimmed and replanted to increase the size of the mat. If used for carpeting the aquarium, it should be trimmed weekly to promote horizontal growth.  It will grow much more quickly in nutrient-rich substrate.  It will also benefit from CO₂ supplementation, but this is not absolutely required.  Fertilizers, including iron, will often be helpful in assuring that this plant maintains its best deep red coloration.

This listing is for bunches of this magnificent plant. It is sure to be a standout species in any planted aquarium. It is not regularly available, so don’t miss your chance to get this lovely plant when we have it in stock!  

Like most plants, Scarlet Temple will benefit from supplementation such as Seachem Flourish, Flourish Excel, Flourish Nitrogen, Flourish Iron, and other plant supplements.  

No aquarium plant distributor/nursery/wholesaler/retailer can or will guarantee their plants to be 100% snail free. We can not guarantee our plants will be snail free.

What We Like About This Plant:

• Vibrant red-maroon coloration
• Moderate care, including lighting
• Excellent foreground plant
• Provides protective cover for fry

Care Guidelines:

• Temperature: 63° - 82° F (17° - 28° C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.0
• Lighting: Moderate to high
• Potential Height: 10 - 20 inches (25.5 – 51 cm)
• Origin: Indigenous to South America, but cultivated in US nurseries
• Aquarium Placement: Foreground
• Care: Moderate
• Growth Rate: Slow

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