Scarlet Temple (Alternanthera reineckii) - Potted

Scarlet Temple (Alternanthera reineckii) is the easiest way to put real red in a planted tank. Each pot holds a cluster of upright stems with green-to-bronze tops and rich burgundy undersides, and the color only gets deeper as the plant settles in. It is one of the few red plants that does well without CO2, which makes it a favorite midground pick for low-tech setups. Browse the rest of our freshwater plants while you are here.

Care Guide

• Lighting: Moderate. It survives in low light but stretches and fades toward green; stronger light keeps the stems compact and the reds vivid.
• Planting the pot: Do not bury the pot. Slide the plant out, peel away the rock wool, separate the individual stems, and plant them about an inch apart so each stem gets light and flow.
• Feeding: Feeds from both roots and water column. Seachem Flourish Tabs near the roots or a nutrient-rich substrate keep it growing steadily.
• Color boost: Iron is the secret to deep red. Regular dosing with Seachem Flourish Iron makes a visible difference.
• Trimming: Cut the top few inches once stems get leggy and replant the cuttings right next to the originals. The trimmed stem branches and the patch fills in thicker.
• CO2: Not required. Growth is faster and denser with CO2, but Scarlet Temple holds its color in low-tech tanks better than most red plants.

Specifications

Compatibility

Scarlet Temple is safe with all community fish, snails, and shrimp. Its dense stems make great cover for Amano shrimp and fry, and the red foliage is a striking backdrop for schooling tetras and rasboras. Skip it with large cichlids, goldfish, and other known plant shredders.

Recommended Supplies

• Seachem Flourish Tabs root fertilizer for steady growth
• Seachem Flourish Iron for deeper red coloration
• CaribSea PyroFlora volcanic substrate for planted tanks
• Dwarf Aquarium Lily, another easy red-toned centerpiece
• Browse all freshwater aquarium plants

FAQ

Do I plant it pot and all?
No. Remove the plastic pot, gently pull off the rock wool, separate the stems, and plant each one individually in the substrate.

Why are some leaves melting after planting?
Potted Scarlet Temple is grown out of water at the farm. The old emersed leaves often melt back while the plant pushes new underwater growth. Keep it fed and lit, and fresh red leaves replace them within a few weeks.

How do I get the deepest red color?
Three things: decent light, iron dosing, and root tabs. Add CO2 if you have it and the color goes from bronze-red to true scarlet.

Is it really beginner-safe for a low-tech tank?
Yes. It grows slower without CO2 but stays healthy and colorful, which is rare for a red plant. Just give it moderate light and do not let faster plants shade it out.