Alternanthera lilacina – Tissue Culture – Deep Purple-Red Stem Plant for High-Impact Aquascapes
Alternanthera lilacina is a striking freshwater stem plant known for its rich purple to wine-red leaves and bold visual contrast in planted aquariums. With broader leaves than many Rotala species and intense coloration under proper conditions, this plant creates strong focal points in Dutch-style layouts, nature aquascapes, and high-contrast planted tanks.
Grown in sterile tissue culture, Alternanthera lilacina is completely free from algae, snails, and pests, making it ideal for shrimp tanks and sensitive planted aquariums. When established, it forms dense, colorful stems that respond well to trimming and replanting, allowing aquascapers to sculpt dramatic red bushes in the midground or background.
Moderate to Advanced
Peaceful (Plant)
Height: 8–16 inches (20–40 cm)
Perennial (with proper care)
Nutrient Uptake – Absorbs nutrients primarily from the water column; requires consistent liquid fertilization, nutrient-rich substrate, and CO₂ supplementation for best color and growth
Medium to large planted aquariums (nano tanks possible with frequent trimming)
Temperature: 70–82°F (21–28°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Ideal midground to background stem plant
Shrimp-safe and compatible with all peaceful fish
Excellent for Dutch-style and high-contrast aquascapes
Responds well to trimming for dense, bushy growth
Rinse tissue culture gel thoroughly before planting
Plant stems individually with spacing for light penetration
High lighting and CO₂ are strongly recommended to maintain deep coloration
Stable parameters and regular trimming improve long-term success
