Care Guide
Green Hedge
Alternanther Ficoidea Green
Care at a Glance
Lighting
High
Growth Rate
fast
Growth Form
Stem
Placement
Mid-ground
True Aquatic
No, terrarium plant
Available As
Bunch
About This Plant
Althernanthera ficoidea var. 'green' is a terrarium plant that is sometimes used as an aquarium decoration. It can only be submerged for several months after which it must be grown emerged for several months before being submerged again.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Green Hedge
- Scientific name
- Alternanther Ficoidea Green
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Native to
- The Americas
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Requirements
- Must have a period of terrestrial growth for good health
- Lighting
- High
- Growth rate
- fast
- Growth form
- Stem
- Placement
- Mid-ground
- True aquatic
- No, terrarium plant
- Available as
- Bunch
Difficulty — Advanced
Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
CO2 & Fertilization
Pressurized CO2 is strongly recommended at this light level — without it, algae will outcompete the plant.
Tank Size & Setup
Best in tanks 20 gallons or larger so background stems have room to grow up and be trimmed without overtaking the foreground.
Aquascaping & Placement
Place in the midground between foreground carpets and tall background stems. The structure adds visual depth and shelters small fish and shrimp. Trim and replant the tops every 3-4 weeks. The new growth tips hold the best color and form, while lower stems eventually need replacing.
Tank-Mate Compatibility
Best suited to paludariums, riparium displays, and pond margins rather than fully submerged community tanks.
Common Care Issues
Algae outbreaks
High-light plants without matched CO2 and nutrient dosing reliably trigger algae blooms. If you can't run pressurized CO2, choose a lower-light alternative or accept some algae management.
Outgrowing the tank
Plan to trim every 1-2 weeks. Skipping trims lets the plant shade out neighbors and trap detritus that fouls water quality.
Decline after a few months underwater
This species is not a true aquatic and slowly declines when permanently submerged. Move it to a humid emersed setup (paludarium, terrarium, pond margin) for several months to rejuvenate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Green Hedge need?
Green Hedge (Alternanther Ficoidea Green) prefers high lighting. Plan on a high-output LED fixture combined with pressurized CO2 for the best color and form.
Does Green Hedge need CO2?
Pressurized CO2 is strongly recommended at this light level — without it, algae will outcompete the plant.
Is Green Hedge good for beginners?
Green Hedge is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
How fast does Green Hedge grow?
Growth rate is fast. Expect to trim every 1-2 weeks once established.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Green Hedge?
Best suited to paludariums, riparium displays, and pond margins rather than fully submerged community tanks.
Can Green Hedge live fully submerged long-term?
No. Green Hedge is not a true aquatic plant and slowly declines after a few months underwater. Use it as a temporary display piece in an aquarium, or grow it permanently in a paludarium, riparium, or pond margin where the leaves can reach air.