{"product_id":"scarlet-temple-alternanthera-reineckii","title":"Scarlet Temple – Alternanthera reineckii","description":"\u003cp\u003eScarlet Temple (\u003cem\u003eAlternanthera reineckii\u003c\/em\u003e) 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeautiful red, pink, and bronze aquarium plant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdds bold contrast against green plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat for midground to background placement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent choice for aquascaping and colorful planted tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan be trimmed and replanted to create dense clusters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest color develops with medium to high lighting and steady nutrients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Care Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAlternanthera reineckii\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scarlet Temple, Alternanthera reineckii\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e South America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stem aquarium plant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midground to background\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCO2:\u003c\/strong\u003e Recommended for best growth and coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 8–20 inches depending on conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTank Placement\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScarlet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLighting, CO2 \u0026amp; Nutrients\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScarlet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTrimming \u0026amp; Propagation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScarlet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove older or damaged leaves as needed during routine aquarium maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest Uses in Aquariums\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColorful freshwater planted tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDutch-style aquascapes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMidground to background plantings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommunity aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-light planted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAquascapes needing red or pink contrast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Scarlet Temple require CO2?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScarlet Temple can grow without CO2 in some aquariums, but CO2 injection is recommended for stronger growth, better color, and healthier overall appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does Scarlet Temple grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScarlet Temple typically grows around 8–20 inches tall depending on lighting, nutrients, CO2, and trimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Scarlet Temple beginner-friendly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is best considered a moderate-care plant. Beginners can grow it, but it does better with stable lighting, regular nutrients, and good maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Scarlet Temple be propagated?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Trim healthy stems and replant the cuttings into the substrate to create fuller clusters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is my Scarlet Temple losing red color?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWeak lighting, low nutrients, lack of CO2, or shading can reduce red coloration. Medium to high lighting and steady fertilization help improve color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Scarlet Temple safe for shrimp and fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Scarlet Temple is safe for shrimp, snails, and peaceful freshwater fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScarlet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52052813807829,"sku":null,"price":7.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/download_cc54111e-3731-4ee8-b3e4-73f0b56c6cb6.jpg?v=1758315887","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/scarlet-temple-alternanthera-reineckii","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}