Alternanthera Lilacina - Tissue Culture

Alternanthera Lilacina: The Purple Stem Plant

The Alternanthera reineckii 'Lilacina', often simply called Alternanthera Lilacina, is a strikingly beautiful cultivar of the stem plant Alternanthera reineckii and is highly prized in the planted aquarium hobby for its intense coloration. While the base species is known for red or magenta, the 'Lilacina' variety stands out with its dense, dark-red to vibrant purple/lilac foliage, particularly on the undersides of the leaves.

Originating from the marshlands of Central and South America, this tissue culture requires consistent and stable water parameters to truly thrive. It is generally considered an Easy to Moderate difficulty plant. However, achieving and maintaining its best, most vibrant purple color requires a "high-tech" setup, including high light intensity and CO2 supplementation. Without these optimal conditions, the growth rate will slow, and the color will tend to fade to a duller burgundy or pale pink.

As a stem plant, it is highly versatile and is best suited for the Midground or Background of the aquarium. Regular trimming and pruning is essential to encourage lateral growth, creating a much bushier, more compact clump rather than a single, tall, and sparse stem.

Care & Cultivation:

• Substrate & Fertilization: A nutrient-rich substrate (like aquasoil) is highly recommended. It is a heavy feeder, especially of Iron (Fe) and Potassium (K), which are crucial for developing the deep purple/red hues. Supplementation with liquid fertilizers and/or root tabs is necessary for best results.
• Lighting: Requires Medium to High light intensity (at least 40 PAR or higher is ideal) for 8-10 hours per day. Low light will cause the plant to drop its lower leaves, turn pale, and become leggy. Lighting with a strong red/blue spectrum will enhance the purple coloration.
• CO₂ Injection: While sometimes listed as "optional," CO₂ injection is highly recommended (20-30 mg/L) to achieve robust, fast growth and the most vibrant colors. Without it, growth will be slow, and the color will be subdued.
• Water Parameters: Requires stable water conditions and does not tolerate drastic changes, which can lead to "melting."
  • Temperature: 71 - 82°F (22 - 28°C)
  • pH: 6.0 - 7.5 (Slightly acidic is preferred)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2 - 12 dGH)
• Trimming & Propagation: Propagation is simple using stem cuttings. Trim a healthy stem, remove the leaves from the bottom few nodes, and replant the cutting directly into the substrate. Trimming the top and replanting it, while leaving the bottom portion in place, encourages the remaining base to sprout new lateral shoots, resulting in a much bushier plant.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Alternanthera reineckii 'Lilacina' (or Telanthera lilacina)
• Primary Common Name: Alternanthera Lilacina
• Other Common Names: Alternanthera Purple, AR Lilacina
• Origin: Central/South America
• Max Size: 4 - 20 inches (10 - 50 cm) - Varies greatly with trimming
• Care Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Lighting Needs: Medium to High (High needed for best color)
• CO₂ Needs: Recommended / Necessary for vibrant color and fast growth
• Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast (With CO₂/High Light)
• Planting Position: Midground to Background (Foreground if kept short)