Alternanthera bettzickiana Red
Alternanthera bettzickiana ‘Red’
Common names: Red Alternanthera, Red Joseph’s Coat
Alternanthera bettzickiana ‘Red’ is a robust, adaptable red stem plant prized for its deep red to burgundy foliage and lower maintenance requirements compared to more demanding red species. It’s an excellent choice for aquarists who want reliable red colour without high-tech setups.
Plant Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Alternanthera bettzickiana ‘Red’ |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Growth form | Stem plant |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Final height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Placement | Midground |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
Lighting Requirements
- Medium light recommended
- Will grow in low light, but colour fades to brownish/olive
- Higher light = deeper red and tighter growth
More forgiving than Alternanthera reineckii
Too much light without nutrients can cause algae on leaves
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Preferred Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 20–28 °C (68–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard |
| CO₂ | Optional (improves density & colour) |
This plant adapts well to mixed community tanks and fluctuating conditions, making it suitable for retail systems and hobbyist aquariums alike.
Substrate & Fertilization
- Best results with:
- Nutrient-rich aqua soil or
- Gravel/sand with root tabs
- Benefits strongly from:
- Iron supplementation (for red pigmentation)
- Balanced macro nutrients (NPK)
Iron supported systems bring out richer reds, especially under stronger lighting.
Growth & Maintenance
- Regular trimming keeps plants compact and bushy
- Pruned tops can be replanted easily
- Trim above a node to encourage lateral shoots
- Without trimming, it may grow tall and sparse at the base
Can be shaped into midground bushes or hedge-style plantings
Colour Characteristics
- Colour range:
- Olive/red-brown (low light)
- Burgundy to deep red (medium–high light)
- Undersides often show stronger red tones
- Colour is less sensitive to CO₂ fluctuations than A. reineckii
Aquarium Compatibility
Safe with:
- Community fish
- Shrimp and snails
- Discus and angelfish
- Fry and breeding tanks (great visual cover)
Avoid with:
- Goldfish
- Large herbivorous cichlids
- Overstocked tanks with poor nutrients
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Alternanthera bettzickiana ‘Red’
Common names: Red Alternanthera, Red Joseph’s Coat
Alternanthera bettzickiana ‘Red’ is a robust, adaptable red stem plant prized for its deep red to burgundy foliage and lower maintenance requirements compared to more demanding red species. It’s an excellent choice for aquarists who want reliable red colour without high-tech setups.
Plant Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Alternanthera bettzickiana ‘Red’ |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Growth form | Stem plant |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Final height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Placement | Midground |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
Lighting Requirements
- Medium light recommended
- Will grow in low light, but colour fades to brownish/olive
- Higher light = deeper red and tighter growth
More forgiving than Alternanthera reineckii
Too much light without nutrients can cause algae on leaves
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Preferred Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 20–28 °C (68–82 °F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard |
| CO₂ | Optional (improves density & colour) |
This plant adapts well to mixed community tanks and fluctuating conditions, making it suitable for retail systems and hobbyist aquariums alike.
Substrate & Fertilization
- Best results with:
- Nutrient-rich aqua soil or
- Gravel/sand with root tabs
- Benefits strongly from:
- Iron supplementation (for red pigmentation)
- Balanced macro nutrients (NPK)
Iron supported systems bring out richer reds, especially under stronger lighting.
Growth & Maintenance
- Regular trimming keeps plants compact and bushy
- Pruned tops can be replanted easily
- Trim above a node to encourage lateral shoots
- Without trimming, it may grow tall and sparse at the base
Can be shaped into midground bushes or hedge-style plantings
Colour Characteristics
- Colour range:
- Olive/red-brown (low light)
- Burgundy to deep red (medium–high light)
- Undersides often show stronger red tones
- Colour is less sensitive to CO₂ fluctuations than A. reineckii
Aquarium Compatibility
Safe with:
- Community fish
- Shrimp and snails
- Discus and angelfish
- Fry and breeding tanks (great visual cover)
Avoid with:
- Goldfish
- Large herbivorous cichlids
- Overstocked tanks with poor nutrients
