Alternantera is a charming and immediately eye-catching plant. This is a red, blazing fire in the underwater kingdom.
The plant looks great in a variety of aquascapes, as a rule, this plant is used as a focus point. Some species of Alternanther are successfully used in aquariums and ponds: Alternanthera sessilis and Alternanthera reineckii.
Alternanters were brought to Europe by South American importers in the late seventies. Around the same time, they appeared among our amateur aquarists. The genus Alternanthera Forskal, 1775 belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. There are approximately 200 species in the genus. These are annual and perennial herbaceous plants, bushes and even trees. They are common in tropical and subtropical regions of America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and are found even on the Galapagos Islands.
All members of the genus have opposite or opposite leaves. The flowers are usually inconspicuous, not conspicuous, but the color of the leaves is so magnificent that several species are widely used in floriculture. Alternanteras are short, compact plants used in gardens and parks to decorate carpet beds, flower beds, borders, etc. They can be given any shape, as they tolerate a haircut quite well. Alternanthera vesikolor looks great, the leaves and stems of which are painted in dark or copper red, turning into pink; between the veins on the leaves there are greenish and copper spots. Fine decoration of interiors are Alternanthera amoena (Lem) Voss and A. bettzickiana, the blood-red spots of which contrast beautifully with the greenery of other plants. Some types of Alternantera are successfully cultivated in aquariums. They were brought to our country under the commercial names "Telantera osiris", "T. lilacina", "T. rubra". All these plants grow well, bloom and multiply in water. Upon closer examination by botanists, it was found that these alternanters should be classified as follows:
Alternanthera reineckii Briquet, 1899 ("Telantera osiris");
Alternanthera sessilis (L. 1753) De Candolle, 1813, which has two varieties: A. sessilis var. lilacina ("Telantera lilacina") and A. sessilis var. rubra ("Telantera rubra").
Reineck's Alternantera (Alternanthera reineckii)
It originates from southern Brazil and Paraguay, where it grows as a marsh plant, well adapted to a long above-water life. This species is the most stable and easily cultivated in underwater conditions. For many years, A. reineckii has been a great decoration for decorative aquariums. In nature, it belongs to communities that have been in flooded places for a long time. These are huge fields covered with creeping stems with tops raised above the water. The leaves are sessile, elongated - ellipsoid in shape, located crosswise (each subsequent pair is perpendicular to the previous one). Their length is 2.5-3.5 centimeters, width 0.5-1.5. The upper side is green, the lower side is pink or red. In summer, tiny sessile yellow-green or pinkish flowers appear in the axils of the leaves. Under water, the stem grows vertically and quickly emerges in shallow aquariums. Surface shoots are used to adapt the plant to terrestrial conditions. If they are again lowered under water, then the leaves will fall off. So the tops of the plant, located above the surface of the water, contribute to the preservation of the species when the conditions of existence change.
In the aquarium, the Reinek Alternantera is planted in the middle ground or on the sides, but not very densely, as the plant is very fragile. In a submerged state, the stems of the plant grow perpendicularly and quickly reach the surface of the water, and in small aquariums (up to 20-25 cm) they grow above its surface and form aerial leaves. In this case, the functions of the underwater leaves lose their power, and the plant sheds them. Therefore, the crown of the stem that has reached the surface of the water must be pinched in a timely manner. This will not only preserve the underwater leaves, but also cause the stem to branch, forming pretty bushes that change color depending on environmental conditions. In the aquarium, the Reineck Alternantera grows rapidly, at 10-15 cm per month.
Lighting for a Reineck alternantera must be bright. As sources of artificial light, fluorescent lamps with a power of 0.5 W / l can be used. The color of the leaves and the appearance of this plant directly depends on the lighting in the aquarium. Also, direct sunlight is very useful for the plant. Daylight hours are at least 12 hours.
The nutritional value of the soil for the Reinek alternator is not of great importance. The plant receives most of its nutrients directly from the water. Coarse sand is suitable as a substrate, since the root system of the Reineck alternanther develops much better in it. Mineral top dressing with rapid growth is very useful. Alternantera Reinecka should receive a sufficient amount of nitrogenous substances and trace elements. It is necessary to add ferrous salts (for example, ferrous sulfate) to the water 1-2 times a month at a dose of 0.1-0.2 mg per 1 liter of volume.
Reineck Alternantera reproduces vegetatively. Cuttings are taken from fairly large stems with 4 pairs of leaves and left to float near the surface of the water. The cuttings quickly form roots, after which they can already be planted in the ground.
Alternantera Reineck grows well in a humid greenhouse. For optimal plant growth, moist nutrient soil, bright lighting and an air temperature of 26-30 ° C are required. In such conditions, the alternantera forms dense thickets of a bright purple color.
Sedentary Alternantera (Alternanthera sesilis)
The process of adaptation to water conditions does not interfere with the fall of the lower leaves, since new decorative bushes are formed in this case. With sufficient aquarium lighting, the upper side of the leaf is usually green, the lower side is light green or pinkish; in partial shade or shaded places - respectively olive-brown and violet-red. But, unfortunately, this plant has a less intense red color than other types of alternantera cultivated in our country. It grows equally well both in shaded places and in direct light. Sufficiently mature, well-formed parts of the stems that have at least four pairs of leaves should be planted in the aquarium. This is the only species of the genus that reproduces quite quickly under water, forming powerful bushes. Groups of 10-15 plants look the most attractive. They are good for decorating the back walls of small aquariums. In large species aquariums, groups of alternanthers are located in the middle part in free places, where they form islands with an area of 20-30 square centimeters. Alternatera sessile is characterized by the fact that in the terrestrial form it has a dense, strongly branching stem, and in conditions of low humidity it is creeping. Seeds are small, whitish.
Alternanthera sessilis var. lilacina found in warm regions of the world. This plant adapts well to different forms of existence and can grow both under water and on land. The color of plants is very variable and depends on the conditions of cultivation. Usually the upper side of the leaf is olive green, the lower side is dark red to purple. But sometimes there are forms in which the leaves on both sides are painted in intense red. In the middle lane, the plant can be successfully cultivated in the summer in open ground. For keeping in an aquarium, this alternantera must be grown in conditions of high humidity (85-95 percent) of a tropical paludarium at a temperature of 20 to 30 ° C. Young, not yet flowering shoots, when planted under water, take root easily and die relatively rarely. The plant is insensitive to the chemical composition of water, tolerates both penumbra and excess light equally well, the optimum pH of the water is about 7. The main rule when growing this alternantera is to create fairly stable conditions in the aquarium. It grows well in crystal clear water without algae.Alternanthera sessilis var. rubra- the plant is emersed and is perfectly cultivated in a moist paludarium. It grows very quickly: in 3-4 weeks the stem reaches a length of 15-20 centimeters with a large number of leaves. The underwater form forms branched creeping stems above the ground, and only a third of them straighten up and also begin to branch strongly near the surface of the water. In general, they reach a length of 50-60 centimeters. The leaves are opposite, 3.5-5.0 long and 0.8-1.7 centimeters wide. Both sides are painted ruby red. The stem is also red.
Pressed with a pebble to the ground, it forms a large number of white roots in the place of an independent pair of leaves and takes root easily. The flowers are completely sessile, red or pink; they appear in the axils of an opposite pair of leaves. Since this plant comes from the tropics, it begins to bloom at the equinox, when the illumination is 12 hours a day, that is, it has the length of a tropical day. These plants are usually planted in an aquarium in groups of 3-5 or more shoots. The most suitable place is in the middle part of the reservoir, where they are placed in front of taller green and yellow-green plants. Under water, they take root in ten days, but in the future they do not grow as quickly as in the paludarium, and retain their decorative appearance well for 2-6 months. When the leaves begin to fall, the plants should be replaced with new ones. To do this, you need to have an additional greenhouse, growing new adult plants from cuttings in it, which need the highest possible humidity and diffused lighting. Under aquarium conditions, A. sessilis var. rubra needs good light and slightly acidic water.
Alternanters are amazingly beautiful plants that serve as decorations for decorative aquariums. They also look great when cultivating garden plots in open water, where you can create compositions both with aquatic forms and with those that have come to the surface of the water and are rooted on coastal soil.
All of the above is just the fruit of observing this type of aquarium plant and collecting various information from owners and breeders. We would like to share with visitors not only information, but also lively emotions, allowing you to more fully and subtly feel the world of aquarism. Register on, participate in discussions on the forum, create profile topics where you will talk about your aquatic organisms in the first person and firsthand, describe their content features, share your successes and joys with us, share experience and learn from the experience of others. We are interested in every bit of your experience, every second of your joy, every realization of a mistake that makes it possible for your comrades to avoid the same mistake. The more of us, the more pure and transparent droplets of goodness in the life and life of our seven billionth society.
Beautiful photo with Alternantera in the aquarium
Video of alternant in the aquarium
Perennial decorative - deciduous herbaceous plant or shrub with beautiful leaves, painted in various shades, including plain or variegated. Also used as an aquarium plant, waterfront plant, house plant and garden plant (depending on species). The small flowers of the alternantera do not have a decorative function, as such. In nature, the plant is found in tropical and subtropical climates. Strongly branched stems give it the appearance of a small shrub. To maintain the bright color of the leaves, the alternantera needs the most sunny location, as the color of the leaves fades in the shade. The plant is not frost-resistant, therefore, in regions with a cold climate, it is taken away for storage in a room with an air temperature in the range of +14 - +16 C °. If you do not have such an opportunity, you can grow an alternantera as an annual. Growing, it forms thick carpets, while perfectly tolerates the shaping haircut, which is necessary for good thickening. In regions with a warm climate, Alternantera can remain in the garden for the winter, but with good shelter, as the plant is afraid of even short-term frosts. Due to the bright varied color of the leaves and low growth, the alternantera is used in the creation of figured flower beds or flower drawings, used for rock gardens, borders, alpine slides, as a ground cover, as well as for decorating the banks of reservoirs (mainly sessile alternantera) and aquariums.
Alternantera aquatic species. Some types of alternantera are aquatic plants, so they are used for planting in aquariums or ponds. For example: sedentary alternantera (alternanthera sessilis), Reineck's alternantera (alternanthera reineckii).
Room Alternantera. Most often, the following varieties are used for growing in a room: Anabillis, Sessilis, Rosea. Growing a room alternantera is not difficult and the plant in room culture is considered quite unpretentious.
Growing Alternantera. The plant requires constant moderate watering. To save the plant until the next season, it must be taken indoors for the winter, and in areas with a warm climate it is good to cover. For sufficient thickening, the alternantera regularly requires a shaping haircut (shortening the shoots). To decorate the shores of reservoirs, they mainly use the sedentary alternantera. To do this, the pot with the plant is placed at a depth of no more than 50 cm. The main thing is to have time to bring it back before the autumn frosts. In winter, the optimum temperature is +14 - +16 C°, and in summer +18 - +28 C°. A pot with a plant is placed on the brightest window with direct sunlight. The earth must not dry out. In the period from February to August, you need to make complex mineral and organic fertilizers with a frequency of 1 - 2 times a month. A potted alternantera is transplanted every 2 years in the spring. The ideal soil mixture for a plant is a combination of sod, leafy, humus soil and sand in equal proportions. Also, a mixture of garden soil with peat and sand is suitable.
Height: 10 - 50 cm (depending on the type).
Location: maximum light.
Foliage color: olive-green, yellow-red, different on different sides of the leaf, green-red-orange, pink.
Temperature: does not tolerate even short-term frosts.
Reproduction: division and cuttings.
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In order for the leaves of the alternantera to be colored as intensely as possible, the plant must be planted in the sunniest part of the garden. Alternantera needs warmth, it does not tolerate frost. Soil prefers calcareous, nutritious, but can also grow on neutral soil. Moderate humidity is required.
To decorate the site, the alternantera is most often used as an annual ornamental leafy plant, without bothering to transplant it into a greenhouse for the winter.
Alternantera is the star of carpet floriculture. Its short stature, excellent tolerance for haircuts, and most importantly, a huge variety of colors make it possible to use this plant for carpet beds. curbs. alpine hills. flower drawings, curly compositions. With the help of a competent haircut, you can give the alternanter an ovoid, spherical, comb-shaped shape.
Sedentary Alternantera is used to decorate small ponds. In summer, it is planted to the bottom in shallow places or along marshy shores.
Alternantera is very thermophilic, therefore, in winter, mother plants are transferred from the street to bright greenhouses with a temperature of +12 - +16. Plants wintering outdoors in relatively warm climates still need shelter. Alternantera is transplanted back into the ground only after spring frosts. If night frosts are possible in summer, the plant also needs to be covered.
Alternantera year-round needs moderate regular watering. It is not allowed to water with cold water. It is not necessary to spray the plant.
The main care event that the alternant requires is a regular, literally weekly haircut. Thanks to this procedure, the plant bushes strongly, develops many additional leaves and fully acquires decorative effect.
Alternantera sessile is placed in containers at the bottom of the reservoir to a depth of 50 cm. It is necessary to limit its spread and carry it away for the winter in time. Winters in a cool room.
Alternantera is propagated by division of old plants and cuttings. When propagated by division, long roots can be cut off without harming the plant. Planted plants should be in a bright and warm place for the first time. When propagated by cuttings, the planted alternantera is first kept under a transparent bag in a very warm place. When young leaves appear on the plant, the package can be removed.
Diseases and pests
Alternantera is characterized by resistance to diseases and pests. Potentially affected by gray mold, aphids, spider mites and whiteflies.
Varieties and forms of Bettzik's alternantera
- ‘Aurea’ (‘Golden’) - a plant with yellowish large leaves. ‘Juvel’ (‘Juvel’) is a large-leaved tall alternantera with carmine-red leaves. ‘Kuntzii’ (‘Kuntzi’) is a plant with densely spaced yellow leaves, dull green at the base. ‘Paronychioides’ (‘Gragged’) is a low-growing alternantera with curly pinkish-red leaves.
Varieties and forms of alternantera toothed
- ‘Purple Knight’ (‘Purple Knight’) - high (up to 50 cm) alternantera with dark purple leaves. ‘Royal Tapestry’ (‘Royal Tapestry’) - an alternanther with leaves of red, copper-red, purple and burgundy.
Varieties and forms of alternantera charming
- ‘Amabilis’ (‘Excellent’) is a plant with olive green leaves with red spots. ‘Rosea’ (‘Pink’) - undersized alternantera with pinkish-red leaves with an orange tint. ‘Ficoidea’ (‘Fig’) is a plant with pink-violet-green leaves. ‘Metallica’ (‘Metallica’) is a tall large-leaved alternantera with dark brown leaves with a purple tinge.
- ‘Aurea’ (‘Golden’) - Alternantera with golden yellow leaves. ‘Tricolor’ (‘Tricolor’) - a plant with green-pinkish-red leaves.
Sources:
florets.ru ,
Latin name: Alternanthera.
Family: amaranth (Amaranthaceae).
Homeland: tropics and subtropics of America, Africa, Asia, Australia.
Form: perennial herbaceous or semi-shrub plant.
Description
Alternantera is a perennial herbaceous or semi-shrub plant. Plant height up to 25 cm. Alternantera stems are fragile, strongly branched, forming a sprawling bush. Leaves opposite, small, lanceolate. The color of the leaves is very diverse and is the main decorative value of the plant. In the light, the color of the leaves becomes brighter and more intense. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, located in the axils of the leaves, collected in capitate or spicate inflorescences.
About 200 species of alternantera are known, and there is still a lot of confusion among the species names. Some species grow exclusively in water and are of interest only to aquarists. The main types of alternanters used in landscape design, have numerous varieties and forms.
Alternantera Bettzika (A. betzickiana). Homeland - Brazil. Height up to 15 cm (sometimes up to 20 cm). Stems grow vertically, pubescent at the base. The leaves are spatulate, pointed at the ends. The color of the leaves is bilateral: olive-green above, yellow-red spotted below.
Alternantera serrated (A. denticulata). Homeland - South America. Height up to 35 cm. Stems straight branched. The leaves are linear narrow, 3 cm long. The color of the leaves depends on the variety.
Alternantera lovely, orAlternantera dear (A. amoena). Homeland - Brazil. Height 10-20 cm. Stems strongly branched from the base, pubescent below, furrowed. The leaves are oblong lanceolate, pubescent below, with bright red petioles. The color is green-red-orange.
Alternantera multicolored (A. versicolor). Homeland - Brazil. According to some opinions, it is a kind of Bettzik's alternantera. Height up to 15 cm. Strongly branched stems form sprawling bushes. Young shoots are pubescent. The leaves are broad, oblong, spatulate, tapering towards the petiole, wrinkled, obtuse, shiny. The color is variegated green-red-pink.
Alternantera sessile (A. sessilis) is of tropical origin, growing along the banks of water bodies. The length of the stems is 20-50 cm. It spreads by rhizomes, takes root by stems. Thus, a decorative rug is formed along the shore and the surface of the reservoir. The leaves are opposite narrow, coloring from bright green to beet, depending on the lighting conditions.
Growing conditions
In order for the leaves of the alternantera to be colored as intensely as possible, the plant must be planted in the sunniest part of the garden. Alternantera needs warmth, it does not tolerate frost. Soil prefers calcareous, nutritious, but can also grow on neutral soil. Moderate humidity is required.
Application
To decorate the site, the alternantera is most often used as an annual ornamental leafy plant, without bothering to transplant it into a greenhouse for the winter.
Alternantera is the star of carpet floriculture. Its short stature, excellent tolerance for haircuts, and most importantly, a huge variety of colors make it possible to use this plant for carpets. flower beds, curbs, alpine slides, flower drawings, curly compositions. With the help of a competent haircut, you can give the alternanter an ovoid, spherical, comb-shaped shape.
Alternantera sessile is used to decorate small reservoirs. In summer, it is planted to the bottom in shallow places or along marshy shores.
Care
Alternantera is very thermophilic, therefore, in winter, mother plants are transferred from the street to bright greenhouses with a temperature of +12 - +16. Plants wintering outdoors in relatively warm climates still need shelter. Alternantera is transplanted back into the ground only after spring frosts. If night frosts are possible in summer, the plant also needs to be covered. 
Alternantera year-round needs moderate regular watering. It is not allowed to water with cold water. It is not necessary to spray the plant.
The main care event that the alternant requires is a regular, literally weekly haircut. Thanks to this procedure, the plant bushes strongly, develops many additional leaves and fully acquires decorative effect.
Alternantera sessile is placed in containers at the bottom of the reservoir to a depth of 50 cm. It is necessary to limit its spread and carry it away for the winter in time. Winters in a cool room.
reproduction
Alternantera is propagated by division of old plants and cuttings. When propagated by division, long roots can be cut off without harming the plant. Planted plants should be in a bright and warm place for the first time. When propagated by cuttings, the planted alternantera is first kept under a transparent bag in a very warm place. When young leaves appear on the plant, the package can be removed.
Diseases and pests
Alternantera is resistant to diseases and pests. Potentially affected by gray mold, aphids, spider mites and whiteflies.
Popular varieties
Varieties and forms of Bettzik's alternantera
‘Aurea’ (‘Golden’)- a plant with yellowish large leaves.
‘Juvel’ (‘Juvel’)- large-leaved tall alternantera with carmine-red leaves.
‘Kuntzii’ (‘Kuntzi’)- a plant with densely arranged yellow leaves, dull green at the base.
‘Paronychioides’ (‘Garbnailed’)- undersized alternantera with curly pinkish-red leaves.
Varieties and forms of alternantera toothed
‘Purple Knight’ (‘Purple Knight’)- high (up to 50 cm) alternantera with dark purple leaves.
‘Royal Tapestry’ (‘Royal Tapestry’)- Alternantera with leaves of red, copper-red, purple and burgundy.
Varieties and forms of alternantera charming
‘Amabilis’ (‘Excellent’)- a plant with olive-green leaves with red spots.
‘Rosea’ (‘Pink’)- undersized alternantera with pinkish-red leaves with an orange tint.
‘Ficoidea’ (‘Fig’)- a plant with leaves of pink-violet-green color.
‘Metallica (‘Metallica’)- tall large-leaved alternantera with dark brown leaves with a purple tint.
Varieties and forms of multi-colored alternantera
‘Aurea’ (‘Golden’)- Alternantera with golden yellow leaves.
‘Tricolor’ (‘Tricolor’)- a plant with green-pinkish-red leaves.
Varieties and forms of sedentary alternantera
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Name: from Latin "altemans" - volatile, which is explained by the polymorphism of many species.
Description: genus has about 200 species distributed in the tropics and subtropics of America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Perennial herbaceous or semi-shrub plants used as annual ornamental and deciduous plants. The flowers are small, inconspicuous and have no decorative value. Used to decorate ponds Alternanter sitting (Alternanthera sessilis). Other species are considered to be the main crop among carpet plants for their decorative significance. They differ in considerable diversity in color, pattern and shape of the leaves. Grow in the form of low, sprawling bushes up to 25 cm tall. After shearing, they are very bushy. There is a great deal of confusion among species names that has not yet been resolved.
Alternantera dear- Alternanthera amoena Voss
Homeland - Brazil.
Perennial undersized plant 10-20 cm tall. Stems are furrowed, branching from the base, pubescent below. The leaves are oblong-oval or narrowly elliptical, pubescent below. Their coloration consists of combinations of green, red and orange. The flowers are small, membranous, in small decorative dense, sessile inflorescences at the ends of the shoots.
According to Bailey, this species may include alternanthers found under the names: "amabilis", "spectabilis", "sessilis", "rosea", "rheinhardii", "metalica". Some authors f. amabilis is considered a separate species, pleasant alternantera- A. amabilis Lem. All of them differ in the shape and color of the leaves, mostly pink-red or bright orange.
Photo of Mikhail Polotnov
Alternaitera Betzika- Alternanthera bettzickiana Voss
Homeland - Brazil.
Perennial herbaceous or semi-shrub plants up to 15 cm tall, growing vertically, pubescent at the base. The leaves are spatulate with pointed ends, variegated, olive-green with yellowish-white, reddish and white spots. The flower heads are located at the ends of the stems or in the axils of the leaves. This species has many varieties or forms with green, yellow and red leaves,
The most common: f. aurea- with yellow leaves; f. paronychioides- with olive-red leaves; var. spathulata- with dark red leaves and stems; forms ( nana, compacta, magnifica, versicolor), as well as a typical form - var. typica Regel(more often called barbed alternantera - A. paronychioides short.) Compact bush up to 15 cm tall with rounded-lobed or oval leaves, slightly wavy along the edge and differently colored. On the same plant, there are green, light yellow, red, pink or variegated. According to Bailey, this may include: "picta", "tricolor", "aurea", "paranichyoides", "Juvel", etc.
For practical purposes, all types and forms of alternant are combined into four groups:
Large-leaved tall. For example, "Juvel" is the most beautiful among large-leaved forms. Part of the leaves, especially the upper ones, have a carmine-red color; "atropurpurea" (f. metalica) - leaves are almost dark brown.
Narrow-leaved undersized. For example, A. amoena f. rosea is a short carmine-red leafed alternantera, one of the best in this group.
Narrow-leaved and curly-leaved. For example, A. paranychioi-des papa compacta - the leaves are mostly brown with a red tint, up to 10 cm high; A. r. aurea major ("chroma-tclla") - bronze-yellow leaves; A. r. aurea papa - canary-yellow leaves with an admixture of green.
Broad-leaved and triangular-leaved. For example, A. versicolor has glossy dark purple leaves with pink-red and white spots. This species has strong growth and is sensitive to cold weather.
Location: sunny
The soil: Prefer neutral, moderately moist soils.
Reproduction: all of them perfectly and quickly reproduce by cuttings in a breeding greenhouse at a sufficiently high temperature. Rooting sometimes occurs already on the third day, usually on 8-10, the cuttings need a shade. After rooting, the cuttings are planted in 7 cm pots 1 each and taken out to warm greenhouses, where they are kept throughout April. 5-10 days before the release of seedlings, plants are hardened by ventilating greenhouses and removing frames. At this time, the plants acquire a characteristic leaf color.
Care: All alternators cannot stand temperatures below 0°C. Landing in place is carried out after the end of spring frosts at a distance of 6-8 cm. Care consists in maintaining a certain height by trimming, watering and weeding, while an even, colorful carpet is formed within a short period. The color of the leaves under the influence of the sun becomes more intense and spectacular. Easily tolerate a haircut. The mother liquors overwinter in bright greenhouses, near windows, at a temperature of 10-12°C. During the winter period, almost no leaves are shed, their color only noticeably pales.
Usage: thanks to painted leaves and low growth, they are indispensable plants for arranging carpet beds and figured compositions.
‘Rubra’ (‘Purple’)- Alternantera purpurea has pink-red leaves.
plants - Water alternanthers
Human fascination with the animal and plant world of the distant tropics has created an interesting science of aquarism. Many enthusiastic people want to build their own bright, mysterious world, in which rare vertebrates and invertebrates swim merrily next to amazing underwater plants. Having studied the necessary information, having made the right choice of the inhabitants of the aquarium, the most interesting process of decorating a modern glass house begins.
Among the many types of aquarium plants, you will definitely want the reineca alternantera, like a blazing fire, to draw attention to a cozy corner of the house.
Description
Botanists have attributed such a plant as Alternantera to the Amaranthaceae family. All the warm countries of the globe are home to a plant that develops on land, under a layer of water. Gardeners use beautiful bushes with purple, red leaves to decorate flower beds. Underwater forms of bright plants that came from the swamps of the Amazon have found a place for a worthy decoration of artificial reservoirs, greenhouses organized in people's homes. At the same time, they serve as a natural biofilter necessary for the optimal development of, for example, aquarium fish.
Following the advice of experts, bushes are planted on the sides, near the center of the aquarium, depending on the type of alternantera. The stems are located under water, grow quickly. Formed in the form of a vertical bush or a long trunk. Having reached the surface of the water in the aquarium, the plant begins to feed on air from the atmosphere. Development conditions are changing.
It is important to know! In the open space, aerial leaves begin to grow, greatly inhibiting the growth of underwater leaves, which quickly fall off. The decorativeness of the alternantera is deteriorating. To prevent an undesirable phenomenon, pinch the crown of the stem.
A simple agricultural technique allows you to accelerate branching, the formation of beautiful bushes.
With quality care, Reinek Alternantera has bright leaves about 4 cm long. Their width is 2 cm. The shape of the leaves is lanceolate. Opposite, green above with hints of brown. The underside of the leaf of Alternanthera reineckii can be a delicate pink, bright red, magical purple. The saturation of the color of the leaves depends on the environment, growing conditions, especially on the amount of lighting. The plant blooms in summer. Near the leaf axils, small yellow, white, pink flowers are visible. By planting different types, you can quickly create amazing contrasting compositions. They decorate the back wall of the aquarium, create beautiful thickets necessary for a variety of inhabitants of aquariums.
Types, basic rules of care
Botanists have discovered about 200 species that differ in the color shades of the leaves, the shape of the bush, and the conditions for optimal growth. Among them, most often used for aquarium compositions, the following types are recommended.
Reinecke Alternantera content
For the first time in our country, the Reineck Alternantera appeared under the names Telantera osiris”, “T. lilacina”, “T. Rubra as aquatic plants. The growth rate, reaching up to 15 cm per month, made it possible to quickly realize the planned variants of the compositions. For success, you must strictly comply with certain agrotechnical requirements. First of all, keep the water temperature around 26, hardness up to 12, pH value around 7. When the water temperature drops to 20, the growth of the stems slows down. Constant lighting with lamps, active filtration, weekly replacement of a quarter of the water are required. Useful natural sunlight. The total daylight hours should be about 12 hours.
It is important to remember that if there is too much light, Alternanther Reineca can die from the rapid growth of green algae. A sharp change in temperature leads to the death of leaves, stems.
Alternantera reineca is classified as a type of plant that does not require a special soil composition that affects optimal growth. It receives the necessary nutrition from water enriched with mineral fertilizers. Usually, about 0.3 g of ferrous sulfate and nitrogenous fertilizers are applied twice a month per liter of water.
Coarse sand is considered the best soil. Roots develop well among it. Propagated vegetatively. Use cuttings, cut from large stems, with four pairs of leaves. They are left to float on the water surface. Roots appear quickly. The finished seedling is carefully fixed with soil covering the bottom of the aquarium. Alternantera has brittle stems requiring extra care during care. This type is the least demanding on the growing conditions created, but does not have the most intense leaf color. The bright red color is inherent in the Alternanthera cardinal variety (Alternanthera reineckii cardinalis), which looks spectacular next to the green leaves of other species. A dwarf form of a plant that forms lush brown bushes is considered a mini alternanthera (Alternanthera reineckii "Mini"). The height of the plant is not more than 20 cm. The variety has been used since 2007 for planting in the foreground of the aquarium. Differs in the formation of a large number of side shoots coming from the mother plant. Growing conditions are normal, as for other species. With a lack of lighting, the leaves turn green.
Alternantera lilac
An unusual plant with rich red, ruby foliage stands out from other Alternanter species. Both sides of the leaves have bright hues. Looks impressive in a group planting in the center of the aquarium. Alternantera lilac is an infrequent visitor to home aquariums due to its very slow growth rate. In addition, it grows well in fertile soil.
Alternantera sessile
It is distinguished by the presence of a long stem when grown in a deep aquarium. A dense, branching stem when planted on the ground, like natural conditions along the banks of marshy swamps. It is often recommended to plant in separate containers. They are fixed at the bottom of the aquarium. Alternantera sessile requires regular, weekly haircuts. Thanks to this technique, beautiful, strong bushes are formed, practically not damaged by diseases and pests. The Alternantera plant is propagated by dividing the bush, cuttings.
For this type, it is important to know that the top of the sessile alternanther plant, which has appeared above the water, is cut off, planted in the ground, deepened by two leaves. Chopped cuttings are also immediately planted without keeping on the surface of the water until roots form.
Alternantera sessile is grown in conditions of good lighting, regular fertilizing with mineral fertilizers.
Of the long-stemmed species, Alternantera lilacina is often grown. Throughout the year, beautiful stems of the plant develop evenly, decorated with leaves, the upper side of which has an olive hue. The underside can be red to purple in color.
Alternantera splendida
Botanists consider it one of the most beautiful species. The leaves are pink, red, purple on both sides, reminiscent of Alternantera cardinalis. An overdose of potassium when fertilizing leads to a distortion of the shape of the leaves. The plant has large roots, takes root slowly. Hard to tolerate transplant. In the role of soil, sand with a grain of up to 5 mm is recommended.
Alternantera Betzika
Alternantera Betzika (A.bettzikiana) has leaves shaped like a spatula with a sharp edge. Their olive surface is decorated with yellowish, white, red spots. Flower buds are located at the ends of the stems. The most famous varieties are golden, yuvel, kuntzi, burr, alternantera betzikiana green.
Alternantera pink
The long leaves of the plant stretch upward, showing their always pink underside. The stem is thick, has many stem nodes, from which elliptical leaves grow in pairs. The roots are thin, weak. The bush receives nutrition through small processes located near the base of the leaves. Delicate white flowers appear among the leaf pockets in summer. Next to the red alternantera bush, an elegant, festive look is created.
Creating underwater compositions has long been a fascinating pastime for many people. Reineck Alternantera helps to realize the most fantastic ideas of the tropical kingdom, making the corner with the aquarium a favorite place for the whole family.
