Roseafolia

Few red aquarium plants keep their colour without CO₂ injection, but Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosaefolia' is one of them. The upper leaf surfaces are olive to pink while the undersides turn a deep wine-red, giving each leaf a two-tone effect that stands out against green backgrounds. It comes from South American marshes and flooded areas where it grows both emersed and submerged.

Moderate light is enough to maintain the red tones; under weak light the lower leaves drop and the plant stretches toward the surface. CO₂ helps growth but is not essential — the plant grows at a medium pace either way. A nutrient-rich substrate with iron supplementation keeps the colour from fading. Temperatures in the 17 to 25 °C range suit it best; warmer water accelerates growth but can produce leggier stems with wider internode spacing.

Regular trimming keeps the plant bushy. Each cutting can be re-planted into the substrate — new roots emerge from the lower nodes within a week. It works as a midground accent between green foreground carpets and taller stems, where the red provides a visual break without overwhelming the layout.