Alternanthera Reineckii (POT)
Alternanthera Reineckii is a popular choice for beginners due to the fact that its pretty easy to grow. Most red stem plants can prove difficult to get that vibrant red color without providing high CO2 and micronutrients. This plant can stay vibrant red with relative ease but if nutrients and lighting are severely lacking, the leaves can dull out to an orange hue.
It prefers high nitrates and high phosphates so dosing fertilizers such as UNS Plant Food will help speed up growth and keep coloration at its best.
Rotala Wallichii
Rotala Rotundifolia ‘Blood Red’
Rotala rotundifolia' Blood red' belongs to the Lythraceae family and is native to Southeast China. True to its name, the intense red color of the leaves is what makes it extremely attractive among aquatic plants. Even though 'Rotala' means 'plant with round leaves,' this variety is an exception due to long and narrow leaf patterns. The plant is bushy and has 15 to 30 long stems that are 2 to 3 cm wide. Since it attains a bushy structure, regular pruning is necessary to allow light to reach the lower leaves.
Unlike most other Rotala species, 'blood red' is undemanding. All it requires is high light conditions to bring flashy red color to its leaves. It is a fast-growing aquatic plant, suitable as a mid-ground or background plant. It brings stunning contrast with other green species in the tank and performs well under good water conditions. Rotala rotundifolia' Blood red' can be propagated through head cuttings or side shoots.
Limnophila Aromatica Mini
Limnophila Aromatica Mini is a beautiful plant. It is much like the full size limnophila aromatica, even producing the same pleasant scent, but with much more compact growth. This plant can produce red and orange hues on the top leaves in stronger lighting. It has serrated edges that give a great texture look. Works well as a bush or background plant.
Gratiola Viscidula
Gratiola Viscidula is a relatively new aquatic plant in the hobby that hails from North America. Its leaves make the plant easily recognized and are almost thorn-like with a light green coloration. Gratiola Viscidula is an easy aquarium plant so long as clean water and good lighting are provided. It's also a slow grower, but in time can be used as a midground plant or even a foreground plant if kept trimmed low enough.
Cryptocoryne Gecko
Cryptocoryne Wendtii Green Gecko is a captivating variant of the common Wendtii Green Cryptocoryne. It showcases a rich emerald hue with lush, slender leaves that will enhance the visual allure of your aquascape. Each leaf is adorned with subtle veins, adding a touch of intricacy to its appearance. The striking contrast of the lush green against an aquarium backdrop makes it a versatile choice for aquascapers seeking to craft visually stunning and harmonious underwater landscapes.
Like other Crypts, it grows at a moderate rate and can be grown both submerged and emerged. To propagate, simply cut off new plantlets growing from the rhizome.
Cryptocoryne Pygmi
Cryptocoryne Pygmi is a beautiful selection for Cryptocoryne fans. This particular species of Cryptocoryne is relatively rare and not commonly available within the aquarium hobby. Contrary to its name, Cryptocoryne Pygmaea is a small to medium-sized Cryptocoryne species that features simple green leaves and a classic Cryptocoryne look in a planted aquarium tank.