Care Guide
Telanthera
Alternanthera Reineckii
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Medium
Growth Rate
Fast
Growth Form
Stem
Placement
Mid-ground to background
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Bunch, Potted, Tissue culture
About This Plant
Alternanthera reineckii var. 'roseafolia' is a very decorative "red" plant. Commonly know as Telanthera, of the Alternanthera sp. this one is an exemplary aquarium plant. Alternanthera reineckii has a bronze color on top of the leaf and the deep purple colored underside of the leaf. Alternanthera reineckii offers a nice contrast to the mostly green plants in an aquarium. Although most red aquarium plants are somewhat difficult to grow in an aquarium, Alternanthera reineckii is one of the easiest. With adequate light and fertilizer Alternanthera reineckii grows vigorously and with good color. Alternanthera reineckii is produced above water at the Florida Aquatic Nurseries but this means it handles shipment better and it makes an easy transition aquatic growth.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Telanthera
- Scientific name
- Alternanthera Reineckii
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Native to
- The Americas
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Requirements
- One of the easiest red plants, requires good light and fertilization
- Lighting
- Medium
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Growth form
- Stem
- Placement
- Mid-ground to background
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Bunch, Potted, Tissue culture
Difficulty — Intermediate
Grows reliably in moderate-tech tanks. Benefits from steady fertilization and adequate light, but does not require CO2 to survive.
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 is optional. Growth improves with supplementation, but the plant survives and stays presentable without it.
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
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Common Care Issues
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.
Slow initial growth
Most aquarium plants pause for 2-4 weeks after planting while they convert from their nursery-grown emersed form to fully submerged growth. New leaves that emerge underwater will look thinner and slightly different — this is the plant adapting, not a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Telanthera need?
Telanthera (Alternanthera Reineckii) prefers medium lighting. A standard planted-tank LED fixture run 7-9 hours a day is typical.
Does Telanthera need CO2?
CO2 is optional. Growth improves with supplementation, but the plant survives and stays presentable without it.
Is Telanthera good for beginners?
Telanthera is rated intermediate-level. Grows reliably in moderate-tech tanks. Benefits from steady fertilization and adequate light, but does not require CO2 to survive.
How fast does Telanthera grow?
Growth rate is fast. Expect to trim every 1-2 weeks once established.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Telanthera?
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Available to Purchase
Telanthera — $23.99
Free 2-day shipping on orders over $100