about using red plants in architectonic company tanks 1

To my estimation at present the Alternanthera types are the most important color plants for the modern architectonic aquarium. They were imported about 1965 from South-America into the Netherlands under the name Telanthera osiris. The line includes two types who are in an aquaristic way of any importance: Alternanthera reineckii and Alternanthera sessilis. The appearance of Alternathera may, depending of the place of origin and the circumstances in the aquarium, with regard to color and form of the leaves, differ so much that it was held for long with a number of separate types. That coincides of course with the giant large distribution area, which extends himself concerning Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. The plant is found mainly on river banks where she can be swamped temporarily. The diversity is related mainly to culture under water (submerse). The "subspecies" are very difficult to distinguish . For this reason Christel Kasselmann reached in her study of these plant 5 different forms. A taxonomic status is not connected to. These forms proceed fluently in each other so that to determinate them in practice remains cumbersome. It all are, more or less, grateful aquarium plants as it were adapted to the architectonic aquarium, or to put it simply; the planted tank. In a neutral to mild and acid environment they will thrive excellently. Theonly condition which she claims is a huge degree of light in which
the warm colors will develop themselves optimally. It are:
Alternanthera reineckii, klein papegaaikruid, with small leafs (approx. 3 X 1 cm). A demanding aquarium plant, which needs especially
much light.For lack of light the wreathe will rot away near the bottom at first. Alternanthera reineckii "red" is the most intense colored
representative. The culture is relatively cumbersome. Usually by lack of
light the plant easily losesher leaves, near the bottom at first. For this
reason reasonable distance between the stems, which allows the light to penetrate till bottom, is a requirement.

Alternanthera reineckii "green"; The tale goes that the plant would be arisen by sowing in nursery gardens in certain Eastern Bloc countries, where red colors went lost. Alternanthera reineckii "lilacina", large perrotleave, thanks the name to the fact that, in good condition, the bottom of the leaves are colored mostly splendid and intensive lila. The upper part becomes then light- or wine-red a group healthy Lilacina's can be a real eye-catcher in an aquarium . Characterisic is that at every stemnode roots originate. The origin, the feeding, and the illumination play an important role at that. The plant that this way can become around 50 cm large, grows slowly. They need much light . The bottom wreathe are a good indicator, if they fall down, the plant is short of something. Frequently that is light. The plant is extremely suitable for the Dutch architectonic aquaria, in which one tries to keep the water quality neutrally or gentle acid. But also in water in the alkaline range the growth can be still very satisfying. The
floor amen proposition hardly plays role of meaning. The plant takes
the required feeding substances by means of the leaves. Possibly also by
means of many very fine little roots that arise on the stem buttons .The plant can be multiplied by"toppen" continuously considering that the plant does not grow fast. Althernathera reineckii "Rosaefolia" is the
easiest aquarium plant. The intensive clear red color has made them to the most appreciated aquarium plants with which can be reached all kinds of impact.
Alternanthera sessilis does not endure very long in submerse form and because of that they are more suitable for wet terraria.
Eusteralis stellata finally is a plant which is very sensitive for
dosage of iron. The images show clearly the difference. Also the
need to Co2 of course must be largely satisfied.
See also F&P infopage 2, 3 and 4 and "actual vivarium" and "hints for
at home"


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Red plants in the architectonic aquarium
	..Alternathera reineckii fa. cardinalis .Alternathera reineckii fa. rosaefolia Eusteralis stellata l. zonder Fe r.met Fe dos. Alternathera reineckii fa. lilacina... Alternathera reineckii smalbladerig..

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