Description
Plant Profile
Alternanthera reineckii ‘ Rosaefolia ‘, commonly known as Scarlet Temple or AR Rosaefolia, is a classic, highly favored red stem plant originating from South America. Celebrated for its bold, intense magenta-to-scarlet red leaves and distinct white vein-like patterns running along its foliage, this species is a staple focal point in Dutch-style aquascapes and nature aquariums. Growing up to 8–12 inches tall, AR Rosaefolia brings color contrast and dense, architectural midground or background structure when planted alongside green stem species.
*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
Vibrant magenta and scarlet foliage with subtle light vein patterning provides exceptional color contrast in Dutch-style layouts.
Densely leafed stem structure creates reliable protective cover and shelter for sensitive dwarf shrimp and shy fish species.
Care & Planting Instructions
Remove lead weight and cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the base, then strip the lower inch of 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 growth.
Provide medium-to-high lighting. Regular dosing of liquid fertilizers like UNS Plant Food and pressurized CO2 injection are highly recommended to yield maximum scarlet coloration and prevent stunted 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 stem tops with straight scissors once they reach the desired height to encourage branching and replant the trimmings directly into the substrate to propagate. 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 reineckii ‘Rosaefolia’
Common Name(s)
Alternanthera Reineckii Rosaefolia, Scarlet Temple, AR Rosaefolia
Family
Amaranthaceae
Plant Type / Taxonomy
Stem Plant
Care Difficulty
Medium
Light Requirement
Medium to High
CO2 Requirement
Recommended (Essential for brilliant red coloration)
Placement / Usage
Midground / Background Bushing
Height / Size
8–12”+
Growth Rate
Moderate
Water Parameters
pH 5.0–7.0
Propagation Method
Cuttings (Cut stem, new growth, or lateral shoots)
Origin
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. How do I keep AR Rosaefolia looking bright scarlet red?
Providing medium-to-high light intensity, pressurized CO2, a nutrient-rich soil substrate, and regular liquid fertilization rich in iron and micro-nutrients (2–3 times per week) will produce the deepest, most vibrant red tones on AR Rosaefolia leaves.
3. How do I transition Alternanthera Reineckii Rosaefolia from emersed to submerged growth?
When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into rich substrate under medium-to-high lighting and keep water parameters stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its olive-green emersed foliage and sprout soft, deep magenta-scarlet underwater leaves. Once new shoots develop, trim away old lower growth to encourage dense branching.
