Scarlet Temple – Alternanthera reineckii
Scarlet Temple (Alternanthera reineckii) is a striking freshwater aquarium plant known for its deep red, pink, and bronze foliage. Its bold coloration creates beautiful contrast against green aquarium plants, making it a favorite choice for aquascapes that need color, depth, and visual impact.
This South American stem plant is commonly used in the midground or background of planted aquariums. With proper lighting, steady nutrients, and optional CO2 injection, Scarlet Temple can develop rich coloration and dense growth. It is a great choice for aquarists who want a colorful stem plant for Dutch-style aquascapes, planted community tanks, and high-impact freshwater displays.
Key Features
- Beautiful red, pink, and bronze aquarium plant
- Adds bold contrast against green plants
- Great for midground to background placement
- Excellent choice for aquascaping and colorful planted tanks
- Can be trimmed and replanted to create dense clusters
- Best color develops with medium to high lighting and steady nutrients
Plant Care Information
- Scientific Name: Alternanthera reineckii
- Common Names: Scarlet Temple, Alternanthera reineckii
- Origin: South America
- Plant Type: Stem aquarium plant
- Placement: Midground to background
- Lighting: Medium to high
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Care Level: Moderate
- CO2: Recommended for best growth and coloration
- Height: Approximately 8–20 inches depending on conditions
Tank Placement
Scarlet Temple works best as a midground or background plant. Its red and pink tones stand out beautifully when planted near green stem plants, swords, crypts, or foreground carpeting plants.
For the best visual effect, plant stems in small groups with enough space between each stem to allow light to reach the lower leaves. As the plant grows, trimming and replanting the tops can help create a fuller, bushier appearance.
Lighting, CO2 & Nutrients
Scarlet Temple can survive in lower-tech aquariums, but it shows its best color and growth under medium to high lighting. CO2 injection is not always required, but it is strongly recommended for stronger growth, healthier stems, and deeper red coloration.
This plant benefits from steady nutrients, including a quality aquarium fertilizer. Iron and trace elements can help support stronger color, especially in aquariums with brighter lighting.
Trimming & Propagation
Scarlet Temple is easy to propagate by trimming healthy stems and replanting the cuttings into the substrate. Regular trimming encourages fuller growth and helps prevent the lower portions of the plant from becoming shaded.
Remove older or damaged leaves as needed during routine aquarium maintenance.
Best Uses in Aquariums
- Colorful freshwater planted tanks
- Dutch-style aquascapes
- Midground to background plantings
- Community aquariums
- High-light planted aquariums
- Aquascapes needing red or pink contrast
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Scarlet Temple require CO2?
Scarlet Temple can grow without CO2 in some aquariums, but CO2 injection is recommended for stronger growth, better color, and healthier overall appearance.
How tall does Scarlet Temple grow?
Scarlet Temple typically grows around 8–20 inches tall depending on lighting, nutrients, CO2, and trimming.
Is Scarlet Temple beginner-friendly?
It is best considered a moderate-care plant. Beginners can grow it, but it does better with stable lighting, regular nutrients, and good maintenance.
Can Scarlet Temple be propagated?
Yes. Trim healthy stems and replant the cuttings into the substrate to create fuller clusters.
Why is my Scarlet Temple losing red color?
Weak lighting, low nutrients, lack of CO2, or shading can reduce red coloration. Medium to high lighting and steady fertilization help improve color.
Is Scarlet Temple safe for shrimp and fish?
Yes. Scarlet Temple is safe for shrimp, snails, and peaceful freshwater fish.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Scarlet Temple is a beautiful choice for aquarists looking to add red, pink, and bronze tones to a freshwater planted aquarium. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or shop online for live aquarium plants, freshwater fish, shrimp, and aquarium supplies.
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