How to Grow Pink Fountain
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Pink Fountain
Alternanthera reineckii
herbPink Fountain is a striking ornamental plant prized for its vibrant pink and red foliage that intensifies in bright light. It's primarily grown as an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant in terrariums, aquariums, and moist garden settings. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers but is valued mainly for its colorful, lance-shaped leaves.
When should you plant Pink Fountain in your zone?
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Example Pink Fountain timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pink Fountain
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 Pink Fountain
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pink Fountain dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as annuals or houseplants in cooler regions
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Get my Pink Fountain timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation/Establishment
1-2 weeksRooted cuttings or young plants develop initial leaf growth with green to pink hues
Keep soil consistently moist; maintain warm temperatures (72-78°F); provide bright indirect light
Vegetative Growth
3-6 weeksStems elongate and produce multiple leaves; pink coloration begins to intensify with increased light exposure
Fertilize weekly with balanced aquatic or liquid fertilizer; increase light gradually; maintain humidity above 60%
Color Development
4-8 weeksLeaves display rich pink, red, and purple hues; foliage becomes denser and more vibrant
Maximize light exposure (6+ hours daily) to deepen color; reduce nitrogen slightly to enhance red pigmentation; maintain warm, humid conditions
Mature/Maintenance
OngoingFull-size plant with dense, colorful foliage; may produce small white or pink flowers
Trim regularly to encourage bushiness; continue light, frequent fertilization; maintain consistent moisture and warmth
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Reduce light duration to 6-8 hours; increase water changes; add algae-eating fish or invertebrates; improve water circulation
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Increase humidity; mist foliage; spray with water or neem oil if grown terrestrially; ensure good air circulation
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Improve water circulation and drainage; reduce overwatering; maintain water temperature 72-78°F; use aquatic fungicide if needed
Uses
Aquatic Aquascaping
HouseholdPink Fountain is a popular mid-ground to background plant for planted aquariums and aquascapes, adding vertical height and vibrant color to aquatic displays. [source]
Terrarium & Vivarium Design
HouseholdIdeal for paludariums, terrariums, and vivaria due to its preference for high humidity and wet conditions; adds ornamental value to glass enclosures. [source]
Indoor Houseplant Display
HouseholdGrown in high-humidity terrariums or near humidifiers as a striking indoor foliage plant; maintains pink coloration under bright indoor lights. [source]
Aquatic Habitat
WildlifeProvides shelter and grazing surface for aquatic invertebrates and small fish; improves water quality through oxygenation and nutrient uptake. [source]
Harvest Tips
Pink Fountain is ornamental and not typically harvested for consumption. Take stem cuttings (3-4 inches long) year-round for propagation; remove lower leaves and place in water or moist substrate until roots develop (1-2 weeks).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The intense pink and red coloration of Pink Fountain leaves is produced by anthocyanin pigments, which intensify under high light and lower nitrogen conditions—similar to how some trees turn red in autumn.
- 🌱 Pink Fountain is a tropical plant native to South America and is one of several Alternanthera species cultivated for aquariums, with A. reineckii being the most prized for its vibrant coloration.
- 🌱 This plant can be grown both fully submerged underwater and emersed (above water with wet roots), making it versatile for various aquatic gardening setups.
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