Alternanthera Reineckii

Native to South America, Alternanthera reineckii has been a staple of planted tanks for decades, and for good reason. Few stem plants punch as hard visually.

The leaves range from pinkish-red to deep burgundy on the undersides, with some variants leaning almost purple depending on your lighting and nutrient levels. 'Mini' stays compact and suits midground planting better than the standard form, while 'Rosanervig' is sought after for its striking pale venation against the red leaf surface.

Without CO2 injection, it'll survive and even grow, but the colors tend to wash out and growth slows noticeably. With CO2, good light, and a nutrient-rich substrate, it becomes one of the most vivid red accents you can put in a planted tank.

Propagation is simple: trim the tops, replant them, and the original stems will branch. A dense cluster behind a carpet plant or in front of taller background growth creates a layered look that's hard to beat. If you want to see what this plant can really do, browse tanks entered in aquascaping competitions.