Alternanthera Lilacina

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Alternanthera lilacina
• Common Name: Lilac Alternanthera, Purple Alternanthera
• Origin: South America
• Height: 20–40 cm (8–16 inches)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Care: Moderate
• Light: Medium to High
• CO₂: Recommended for best color and growth
• Propagation: Stem cuttings (top or side shoots)
• Growth Rate: Moderate

  Additional Notes:

  • Alternanthera lilacina is known for its striking purple to deep red foliage, making it a bold accent plant in aquascapes.
  • Requires stable water parameters, good lighting, and regular dosing of micronutrients (especially iron) to maintain vivid coloration.
  • Responds well to pruning, which encourages bushier, more compact growth.
  • Best suited for the midground or background in planted tanks.
  • Under low light or without CO₂, it may grow leggy and lose its rich coloration.