Scarlet Temple Scarlet Temple, botanically Alternanthera reineckii, is one of the most iconic and beloved colored stem plants in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Its brilliant red to pink stems and leaves create vivid color contrast that anchors the aquascape with warm, saturated tones impossible to replicate with any other commonly available plant. Few plants transform the visual energy of a layout as powerfully as a well-grown group of Scarlet Temple. Care tip: Scarlet Temple grows best in high lighting with CO₂ recommended. Maintain temperatures of 72–82°F and pH 6.0–7.5. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and best coloration. Growing to 12 to 20 inches, Scarlet Temple is a classic background stem plant that thrives with regular trimming. Cutting tops and replanting creates dense, multi-stemmed groups that create the most impressive color mass. The vivid red-pink hues are most intense at the growing tips under high lighting, creating a natural color gradient from green-tinged base leaves to brilliantly colored new growth. High lighting is essential for the most vivid red-pink coloration — under moderate light Scarlet Temple turns more green. CO₂ supplementation is recommended for compact, healthy growth and the most intense coloration. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 provide ideal conditions. Iron-rich liquid fertilization is directly linked to color saturation and should be applied consistently. In the aquascape, Scarlet Temple is traditionally used as a background mass plant where dense groupings create a vivid wall of warm color. It is a cornerstone species of Dutch aquascaping and an essential color element in nature-style layouts. Paired with deep green plants and fine-leaved species, the red-pink of Scarlet Temple creates complementary color contrast that elevates the entire composition. Scarlet Temple is an essential plant for any serious planted aquarium. Its iconic color, responsiveness to good care, and transformative visual impact make it one of the most rewarding stem plants in the hobby. Care & Specifications Difficulty Moderate Placement Midground to Background Max Height 12–20 inches Light Level High Temperature 72–82°F pH 6.0–7.5 CO2 Needs Recommended Origin South America Notes Red-pink hues under good lighting.
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