Alternanthera Reineckii 'Rosaefolia' UNS Tissue Culture
Plant Profile
Alternanthera Reineckii Rosaefolia, commonly known as Scarlet Temple or AR Rosaefolia, is a classic, highly favored red stem plant originating from South America. Celebrated for its bold, intense magenta-to-scarlet red leaves and distinct white vein-like patterns running along its foliage, this species is a staple focal point in Dutch-style aquascapes and nature aquariums. Growing up to 8–12 inches tall, AR Rosaefolia brings unmatched color contrast and dense, architectural midground or background structure when planted alongside green stem species.
Tissue Culture cups ensure your aquascape gets a super clean starting point. Lab‑grown and fully sterile, it arrives without pests, snails, duckweed, or any unwanted algae. It’s the go‑to option for anyone who wants peace of mind when adding fresh greenery to a carefully maintained setup.
Key Features & Benefits
- Vibrant magenta and scarlet foliage with subtle light vein patterning provides exceptional color contrast in Dutch-style layouts.
- Densely leafed stem structure creates reliable protective cover and shelter for sensitive dwarf shrimp and shy fish species.
Care & Planting Instructions
-
Thoroughly wash away the nutrient gel from the roots with your fingers before parting it out into manageable portions.
- Use fine-tip pinsettes to plant small stem clusters 1 inch apart into aquarium soil.
- Provide medium-to-high lighting and quality aquarium soil; regular dosing of liquid fertilizers like UNS Plant Food (2–3 times per week) and pressurized CO2 injection are highly recommended to yield maximum ruby-red coloration and prevent stunting. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants.
- Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden parameter swings to prevent stem melting or rotting.
- Trim stem tops or side shoots with curved scissors once stems reach the desired height, and replant trimmings directly into substrate to propagate and expand your hedge. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosaefolia' |
| Common Name(s) | AR Rosaefolia, Alternanthera Rosaefolia, Red Leaf AR |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Tissue Culture Stem Plant |
| Care Difficulty | Medium |
| Light Requirement | Medium to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Recommended (Essential for rich crimson coloration) |
| Placement / Usage | Midground / Background Centerpiece |
| Height / Size | 8–12”+ |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Water Parameters | pH 5.0–7.0 |
| Propagation Method | Cuttings (Cut stem, new growth, or lateral shoots) |
| Origin | South America |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants?
Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining strong light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy.
2. How do I keep AR Rosaefolia UNS Tissue Culture growing strong and bright red?
Providing strong lighting, pressurized CO2, a nutrient-dense substrate, and regular micronutrient dosing with liquid iron ensures intense red foliage and prevents stem tips from stalling or decaying.
3. How do I prepare Alternanthera Reineckii 'Rosaefolia' UNS Tissue Culture before planting?
Carefully remove the gel from the roots by washing the plant in a bowl of room-temperature water or gently rinsing it under a tap. Once the gel is removed, separate the dense cluster into smaller clumps or individual stems and plant them into substrate using fine pinsettes.