Plant Profile Meet Alternanthera Red Broad Leaf, a rare aquatic stem plant that's got a color pattern all its own. Bold crimson-red stems and leaf veins run through broad, lanceolate leaves splashed with greenish-yellow, olive, and rosy-copper, like it couldn't settle on just one shade. Both beginner and experienced aquascapers love it for the same reason: it holds onto those warm reddish tones with way less fuss than most demanding red stem species. It's ready to anchor your midground as a centerpiece or fill in the background as a vibrant hedge in any planted freshwater aquarium. *Form Notice: Photos display this plant in both its emersed (above-water) and submerged forms. Depending on nursery availability and seasonality, you may receive this plant in either form. Learn more about what to expect by reading our guide on Emersed vs. Submerged-Grown Aquatic Plants. Key Features & Benefits Broad leaves with red stems and ribs create a multi-toned focal point. Beginner-friendly, holds red coloration far more easily than demanding red species. Dense, broad-leafed structure shelters shy fish and dwarf shrimp. Care & Planting Instructions Remove lead weight (or pot) and remove cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the roots, then strip lower foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting. Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into substrate, spacing them slightly apart so light reaches lower leaves. Provide medium-to-high lighting. Regular dosing of liquid fertilizers like UNS Plant Food to maintain elevated nitrate and phosphate levels alongside pressurized CO2 injection will prevent dull fading and promote fast growth. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants. Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden environmental shifts to prevent leaf melt or stem rotting. Trim main stem tops with straight scissors once stems reach the desired height, and replant trimmings directly into substrate to propagate and expand coverage. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details. Quick Facts Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth! Attribute Specification Scientific Name Alternanthera sp. 'Red Broad Leaf' Common Name(s) Alternanthera Red Broad Leaf, Broad Leaf AR Family Amaranthaceae Plant Type / Taxonomy Stem Plant Care Difficulty Easy to Moderate Light Requirement Medium to High CO2 Requirement Required (Essential for vibrant red stems and fast growth) Placement / Usage Midground / Background Height / Size 4–12”+ Growth Rate Moderate to Fast Water Parameters pH 6.5–7.5 Propagation Method Cuttings (Cut stem and replant tops) Origin Central & South America Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants? Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining strong light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy. 2. Why are the colors on my Alternanthera Red Broad Leaf dulling? While Alternanthera Red Broad Leaf is easier to keep colorful than other red stem varieties, foliage dulling or fading usually indicates severely lacking lighting, low nitrates, or insufficient macro nutrients. Regular dosing with liquid fertilizers like UNS Plant Food restores vivid red stems and rich leaf coloration. 3. How do I transition Alternanthera Red Broad Leaf from emersed to submerged growth? When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into rich substrate under good lighting and keep water parameters stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its stiffer land leaves and sprout broad, colorful underwater foliage with bright red stems. Once new shoots take root, trim away old lower growth to encourage dense branching.
