Alternanthera Reineckii Red Broad

Quick Summary

Alternanthera reineckii 'Red Broad' is a cultivated variety of the Alternanthera reineckii species, prized for its wide, vibrant red leaves. It's a foreground-to-midground stem plant that adds a dramatic splash of color to an aquascape, but it requires specific conditions to thrive and display its best colors.

Origin & Taxonomy

• Family: Amaranthaceae

• Genus: Alternanthera

• Species: reineckii

• Variety/Cultivar: 'Red Broad' (also sometimes seen as 'Rosaefolia Broad' or simply 'AR Broad').

• Origin: South America (the species is native to riverbanks and flood-prone areas). The 'Red Broad' variety has been selectively bred for its specific leaf shape and color.

Appearance & Growth

• Leaf Shape & Size: The defining feature is its broad, elliptical to ovate leaves, which are significantly wider than other varieties like A. reineckii 'Mini' or the standard narrow-leaved forms. Leaves can grow 2-4 cm wide and 3-6 cm long.

• Color: Under optimal conditions, the upper side is a deep olive-green to reddish-brown, while the underside is a striking, intense magenta or crimson red. High light and good fertilization bring out the brightest reds, sometimes covering the entire leaf.

• Growth Form: It's a stem plant that grows vertically. When planted in groups, it forms a dense, bushy red thicket.

• Growth Rate: Medium to Slow. It grows considerably slower than many green stem plants, which can be an advantage as it requires less frequent trimming.

• Height: Typically reaches 15-25 cm (6-10 inches), making it suitable for the midground or even the foreground in larger tanks.

Care Requirements & Difficulty

It is considered a moderate to difficult plant, not recommended for absolute beginners or low-tech, low-light tanks.

1. Lighting:

• High Light is Essential. This is the most critical factor for achieving the red coloration. Under low or medium light, the plant will remain mostly greenish-brown and become leggy as it stretches for light.

• Photoperiod: 8-10 hours of strong light per day.

2. CO2 Injection:

• Highly Recommended/Required. Injected pressurized CO2 is almost non-negotiable for healthy, compact growth and intense color. Without it, growth will be extremely slow, stunted, and leaves may melt or remain small.

3. Substrate & Nutrients:

• Root Feeders: They have a strong root system and benefit greatly from a nutrient-rich substrate (e.g., aquasoil) or root tabs.

• Water Column Fertilization: Regular dosing of a complete liquid fertilizer containing Iron (Fe) and micronutrients is crucial. Iron deficiency will result in pale, yellowish leaves. Macros (Nitrate, Phosphate, Potassium) must also be balanced.

4. Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 22 - 28°C (72 - 82°F)

• pH: 5.5 - 7.5 (Slightly acidic to neutral is ideal)

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is acceptable.

Planting & Maintenance

• Planting: Separate the bunch and plant individual stems with tweezers, leaving some space between them. They can be planted in small groups of 3-5 stems for a natural look.

• Pruning: To encourage bushy growth, trim the top of the stem. The plant will then produce multiple side shoots from the leaf axils below the cut. You can replant the trimmed tops.

• Common Issues:

  • Melting: Often occurs when first introduced to a new tank or if conditions change drastically. It may shed its emersed-grown leaves. If the roots and stem are healthy, it will usually produce new submerged-growth leaves.

  • Algae: Slow-growing red leaves are susceptible to algae (especially spot algae) if there are nutrient imbalances or if lighting is too long for the plant's growth rate.

  • Paling/Greening: A sign of insufficient light, CO2, or iron deficiency.

  • Key Summary Table

    
    

    
    

    Feature	Detail
    Common Name	AR Red Broad, Alternanthera Rosaefolia Broad
    Difficulty	Moderate to Difficult
    Light Demand	High
    CO2 Requirement	High (Essential)
    Growth Rate	Medium-Slow
    Plant Position	Foreground to Midground
    Leaf Color	Red/Magenta underside, Olive-Red top
    Max Height	~25 cm (10 inches)
    Propagation	Stem Cuttings

    In conclusion, Alternanthera reineckii 'Red Broad' is a rewarding challenge. If you can provide high light, CO2, and consistent nutrients, it will reward you with one of the most striking and structurally beautiful red plants in the hobby. If your tank is low-tech, it's best to admire it in others' tanks or choose an easier red plant like Ludwigia repens or Telanthera cardinalis.