How to Grow Carmine Red Alternanthera
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Carmine Red Alternanthera
Alternanthera reineckii 'Carmine Red'
herbAlternanthera reineckii 'Carmine Red' is a vibrant aquatic/terrarium plant featuring deep burgundy-red undersides and olive-green upper leaf surfaces that intensify to striking carmine-red coloring under high light. This compact, bushy cultivar is prized in aquascaping for its dramatic foliage contrast and is equally suitable for humid terrariums and wet outdoor gardens. It grows slowly to moderately and maintains an attractive columnar shape with minimal pruning.
When should you plant Carmine Red Alternanthera in your zone?
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Example Carmine Red Alternanthera timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Carmine Red Alternanthera
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Carmine Red Alternanthera
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Carmine Red Alternanthera dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10b-11; typically grown indoors or as an annual in cooler climates
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Get my Carmine Red Alternanthera timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation & Establishment
2-4 weeksNewly planted stem cuttings or rooted plants show pale or olive foliage; root development occurs over 2-3 weeks
Keep in stable conditions with moderate lighting; avoid excessive current or disturbance; apply liquid fertilizers weekly
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksStems develop multiple lateral branches; foliage gradually intensifies in color; plant fills out horizontally
Increase lighting gradually to encourage red coloration; provide macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients (iron, boron, manganese); pinch stems to promote bushiness
Full Color Development
Ongoing once establishedUndersides and new growth display deep carmine-red pigmentation; leaves remain firm and vibrant; plant reaches mature bushy form
Maintain high light (8-10 hours), stable water parameters (aquatic) or humidity (terrarium), and consistent fertilization; prune to maintain shape
Maturation & Maintenance
Indefinite with proper carePlant reaches full size; colors fully saturated; may produce small, inconspicuous flowers in emersed form (terrestrial settings)
Maintain regular feeding schedule; trim runners and lower stems to promote dense, compact growth; monitor for algae competition
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Reduce lighting duration if excessive; increase water changes; introduce algae-eating fish (Siamese flying fox, otocinclus); use Excel or hydrogen peroxide treatments (aquatic only)
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Increase humidity; spray foliage with water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap in non-aquatic terrariums
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Apply comprehensive aquatic or hydroponic fertilizer; use chelated iron supplements; dose according to plant mass and light intensity
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and
(terrestrial)
Improve air circulation; reduce humidity temporarily; remove affected leaves; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Aquascaping & Aquarium Décor
HouseholdCarmine Red Alternanthera is a premium choice for freshwater planted aquariums, adding dramatic burgundy and red tones to aquatic hardscaping designs. Its compact growth habit and stunning bicolor foliage make it ideal for midground placement in Dutch-style and nature aquarium layouts. [source]
Terrarium & Paludarium Feature Plant
HouseholdThrives in humid terrarium and paludarium environments where it displays emersed (emergent) growth and vivid coloration. Suitable for both glass terrariums and open-topped wet plant containers. [source]
Color Contrast & Design Element
CraftThe striking red-undersides-green-tops bicolor foliage creates dramatic visual contrast in planted tank scaping, making it a popular choice for competitive aquascaping competitions and high-end display tanks. [source]
Aquatic Habitat & Fish Shelter
WildlifeProvides dense branching structure that offers shelter and grazing surfaces for aquatic shrimp, small fish fry, and microorganisms, supporting a more naturalistic aquatic ecosystem. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested for consumption. For propagation: Cut 2-3 inch stem sections with at least 2 nodes; remove lower leaves and plant in substrate or float in water until roots develop (7-14 days); replant rooted cuttings. Prune upper stems to encourage bushier growth and maintain color intensity.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The intense red coloration (from anthocyanin pigments) intensifies dramatically under high-intensity lighting and is often deeper in aquatic/submerged form than terrestrial growth, making lighting a key factor for maximum visual impact.
- 🌱 Alternanthera reineckii is native to South America (primarily Paraguay and Argentina) and was first cultivated in European aquariums in the early 2000s, becoming one of the most popular red stem plants in the hobby.
- 🌱 The 'Carmine Red' cultivar was developed through selective breeding to emphasize the red undersides, distinguishing it from the wild-type which displays less saturated colors.
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