{"product_id":"alternanthera-reineckii-red-broad","title":"Alternanthera Reineckii Red Broad","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Summary\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlternanthera reineckii 'Red Broad' is a cultivated variety of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlternanthera reineckii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Taxonomy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFamily:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Amaranthaceae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenus:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlternanthera\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecies:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ereineckii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVariety\/Cultivar:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Red Broad'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (also sometimes seen as 'Rosaefolia Broad' or simply 'AR Broad').\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Growth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeaf Shape \u0026amp; Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The defining feature is its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebroad, elliptical to ovate leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which are significantly wider than other varieties like \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA. reineckii 'Mini'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or the standard narrow-leaved forms. Leaves can grow 2-4 cm wide and 3-6 cm long.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColor:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Under optimal conditions, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eupper side is a deep olive-green to reddish-brown, while the underside is a striking, intense magenta or crimson red\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. High light and good fertilization bring out the brightest reds, sometimes covering the entire leaf.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Form:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e It's a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003estem plant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e that grows vertically. When planted in groups, it forms a dense, bushy red thicket.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium to Slow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. It grows considerably slower than many green stem plants, which can be an advantage as it requires less frequent trimming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Typically reaches 15-25 cm (6-10 inches), making it suitable for the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emidground\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or even the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eforeground\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in larger tanks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Requirements \u0026amp; Difficulty\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is considered a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emoderate to difficult\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e plant, not recommended for absolute beginners or low-tech, low-light tanks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1. Lighting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh Light is Essential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhotoperiod:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8-10 hours of strong light per day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2. CO2 Injection:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHighly Recommended\/Required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3. Substrate \u0026amp; Nutrients:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRoot Feeders:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They have a strong root system and benefit greatly from a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enutrient-rich substrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (e.g., aquasoil) or root tabs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Column Fertilization:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Regular dosing of a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecomplete liquid fertilizer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e containing \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIron (Fe)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emicronutrients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is crucial. Iron deficiency will result in pale, yellowish leaves. Macros (Nitrate, Phosphate, Potassium) must also be balanced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4. Water Parameters:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 22 - 28°C (72 - 82°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5.5 - 7.5 (Slightly acidic to neutral is ideal)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Soft to moderately hard water is acceptable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Maintenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e To encourage bushy growth, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003etrim the top of the stem\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The plant will then produce multiple side shoots from the leaf axils below the cut. You can replant the trimmed tops.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Issues:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMelting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlgae:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaling\/Greening:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A sign of insufficient light, CO2, or iron deficiency.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Summary Table\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ds-scroll-area _1210dd7 c03cafe9\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ds-scroll-area__gutters\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ds-scroll-area__horizontal-gutter\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ds-scroll-area__vertical-gutter\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetail\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAR Red Broad, Alternanthera Rosaefolia Broad\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModerate to Difficult\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight Demand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCO2 Requirement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh (Essential)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium-Slow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Position\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eForeground to Midground\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeaf Color\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRed\/Magenta underside, Olive-Red top\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMax Height\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003e~25 cm (10 inches)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePropagation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStem Cuttings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn conclusion,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlternanthera reineckii 'Red Broad'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003erewarding challenge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. 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 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLudwigia repens\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTelanthera cardinalis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53116588359953,"sku":"P505","price":13.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/9225\/6785\/files\/AlternatheraReineckibroadleaf1.webp?v=1770786776","url":"https:\/\/www.aquapets.ca\/products\/alternanthera-reineckii-red-broad","provider":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}