Alternanthera care at home, transplantation, reproduction. Aquarium Alternanthera plant Alternanthera sessile herbaceous plants for open ground

In order for the alternanthera leaves to be colored as intensely as possible, the plant should be planted in the sunniest part of the garden. Alternanthera needs warmth; it does not tolerate frost. It prefers calcareous, nutritious soils, but can also grow on neutral soil. Moderate humidity is required.

To decorate a site, alternanthera is most often used as an annual decorative foliage plant, without bothering with the hassle of transplanting it into a greenhouse for the winter.

Alternanthera is the star of carpet floriculture. Its low growth, excellent tolerance to haircuts, and most importantly, a huge variety of colors allow this plant to be used for carpet beds. borders. alpine slides. floral drawings, figured compositions. With the help of a competent haircut, you can give the alternanthera an ovoid, spherical, comb-like shape.

Alternanthera sessile is used to decorate small bodies of water. In summer it is planted on the bottom in shallow places or along marshy banks.

Alternanthera is very thermophilic, so in winter mother plants are transferred from the street to bright greenhouses with a temperature of +12 - +16. Plants that overwinter outside in relatively warm climates still need shelter. Alternanthera is replanted back into the ground only after spring frosts. If night frosts are possible in summer, the plant also needs to be covered.

Alternanthera requires moderate regular watering all year round. It is not allowed to water cold water. It is not necessary to spray the plant.

The main care activity that an alternanter requires is regular, literally weekly haircuts. Thanks to this procedure, the plant bushes strongly, develops many additional leaves and becomes fully decorative.

Alternanthera sessile is placed in containers at the bottom of the reservoir to a depth of 50 cm. It is necessary to limit its spreading and take it away for the winter in time. Overwinters in a cool room.

Alternanthera propagates by dividing old plants and cuttings. When propagated by division, long roots can be cut off without harming the plant. The planted plants should initially be in a bright and warm place. When propagated by cuttings, the planted alternanthera is first kept under a transparent bag in a very warm place. When young leaves appear on the plant, the bag can be removed.

Diseases and pests

Alternanthera is resistant to diseases and pests. Potentially possible damage to gray mold, aphids, spider mite and whitefly.

Varieties and forms of Betzick's alternanthera

yellow leaves

Varieties and forms of alternanthera serrata

‘Purple Knight’ (‘Purple Knight’) is a tall (up to 50 cm) alternanthera with dark purple leaves. ‘Royal Tapestry’ is an alternanthera with leaves of red, copper red, purple and burgundy.

Varieties and forms of Alternanthera charming

‘Amabilis’ (‘Excellent’) is a plant with olive green leaves with red spots. ‘Rosea’ (‘Pink’) is a low-growing alternanthera with pinkish-red leaves with an orange tint. ‘Ficoidea’ (‘Fig’) is a plant with pink-purple-green leaves. ‘Metallica’ (‘Metallica’) is a tall, large-leaved alternanthera with dark brown leaves with a purple tint.

‘Aurea’ (‘Golden’) - alternanthera with golden-yellow leaves. ‘Tricolor’ (‘Tricolor’) is a plant with green-pinkish-red leaves.

Sources:
florets.ru,

Alternanthera is a charming plant that immediately attracts attention. This is a red, blazing fire in the underwater kingdom.

The plant looks great in a variety of aquascapes, usually this plant used as a focal point. Some Alternanthera species are successfully used in aquariums and ponds: Alternanthera sessilis and Alternanthera reineckii.

Other names: Alternanthera sessilis.
Size: height up to 30 cm.
Temperature: 20-25 °C.
Lighting: 0.75 W/l.
Additional Information: looks best in the center and background.
Content complexity: medium, requires addition of CO 2, Fe.

Description

A long-stemmed, relatively undemanding plant, very popular due to the beautiful color of its leaves - from pink-green to lilac-red. Grows well both in a deep aquarium and in a humid greenhouse. Under

water grows evenly throughout

It should be planted in such a way that the stems of the plant protrude above the surface of the water.

The plant develops well at temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees, and in colder water its growth slows down. Water hardness and acidity do not matter of great importance, however, soft water with a slightly acidic reaction is preferable. And this beautiful plant feels a little better and grows faster. For its comfort, a water change is necessary - by 1/5 of the aquarium volume 3-4 times a month.

When I first got into aquarium design, I mistakenly bought a sessile Alternanthera, mistaking it for a Reineck Alternanthera. Actually, it wasn’t my fault - it was the sellers who convinced me that this plant feels great under water. Having transplanted the plant into the aquarium, I very soon suspected something was wrong - the plant was definitely sick and dying. Trying to save the situation, I rushed to collect information about the alternanters, and that’s how I realized my mistake. So, I prepared a shallow two-liter aquarium, poured a few centimeters of sandy substrate into it, added some aquarium pebbles and replanted the unfortunate plant. I placed the aquarium on the terrace, where there is enough light, but there is no direct sunlight. The result was not long in coming - the sessile alternanthera very quickly recovered and began to grow! Just a couple of weeks later, I cut and replanted the first cuttings and did this until a kind of mini-pot of alternanthera was formed in the aquarium, which I have since easily maintained in excellent condition for two years.
And finally, I will share with you a little secret on how to distinguish a land alternanthera from an underwater one and not repeat my mistakes in caring for it. Alternanthera sessile has leaves that are the same color on both sides and has rigid, almost straight stems, while submerged alternanthera has a noticeably different shade of the upper and lower parts of the leaves, and the stems are much more flexible.

Water parameters

Alternanthera thrives in water temperatures between 22 and 28 °C. In colder water, its growth slows down sharply. Hardness and the active reaction of water do not have a significant effect on the condition of the plant, however, soft water with a slightly acidic reaction is more preferable. In it, the alternanthera develops somewhat faster. It is necessary to replace up to 1/5 of the volume of water 3-4 times a month.

Lighting

The lighting should be bright enough. The color of the leaves depends on its intensity - the brighter the lighting, the more red tones predominate in it. Both natural and artificial lighting are suitable for alternanthera. For artificial lighting A combination of incandescent and fluorescent lamps is preferred. LD fluorescent lamps should not be used, since the spectrum of light they emit is not entirely suitable for the plant.

Priming

The alternanthera root system is poorly developed, so the nature of the soil does not play a significant role for it. You can use any substrate, but in coarse sand the roots of the plant develop better. Siltation should be moderate or weak. The thickness of the soil layer in the aquarium can be any; even a two-centimeter layer of sand is enough for satisfactory growth of the alternanthera.

Reproduction

Alternanthera sessile is propagated by cuttings, and this is done very easily. It is necessary to shorten stems that reach upper layers water, and their crown can be planted in the ground, so that the whorl of the lower leaf disappears under it. The roots will grow in just a few days. The long stem can be divided into several parts with three to four leaves on each. The plant must be planted in the ground. When floating in water, the plant's root system will take a long time to develop.

When a plant is bred in a humid greenhouse, it shows higher growth rates, but this is to the detriment of its external attractiveness. It turns pale, its leaves lose their exotic hue and it looks much less attractive. Transferring the plant to land should be done with caution. When planted in a shallow aquarium, the plant will produce above-water shoots, and they can already be transplanted into very wet or flooded soil. Ordinary garden soil taken directly from the site will do, but you need to add sand and peat to it, thus fertilizing it and preparing it for planting. The soil and air temperature should be around 26 - 30 degrees, and very bright lighting will also be required. A plant grown on land very easily returns to water and begins to grow in a very short time. To do this, you just need to move it to an aquarium, the water of which meets all the parameters it needs, and let it take root there. And soon it will again delight the owner with bright colors and exotic patterns.

Alternanthera sessile has gained popularity because of the amazingly beautiful and rather unusual shades of its leaves. In addition, this moisture-loving beauty grows equally well in deep aquariums and in picturesque wet greenhouses. It is also permissible to keep it in no less colorful paludariums with terrariums. And under water it is characterized by uniform growth throughout all seasons. And the unpretentious alternanthera sessile does not cause any trouble in caring for it.

Getting to know the plant

Alternanthera sessile is an annual long-stemmed beauty whose height ranges from twenty to fifty centimeters. Thanks to its rooting, erect, elongated stems and creeping rhizomes, it forms a wonderful decorative carpet.

The opposite narrow leaves of Alternanthera sessile can be colored either in spectacular lilac-red or pinkish-greenish tones. And the flowers of this aquatic inhabitant are formed in the leaf axils of above-water shoots.

How to grow

The most optimal temperature range for the proper development of Alternanthera sessile is from twenty-two to twenty-eight degrees. If the water is colder, the growth of the decorative aquatic beauty may slow down. The acidity of the water, along with its hardness, do not play a determining role, however, soft water with a slightly acidic reaction is especially preferable for the successful growth of this aquarium inhabitant.

Water in aquariums needs to be changed monthly three to four times (approximately 1/5 of the total volume of the vessel).

The quality of the soil is not important for the aquatic life planted in it, since its root system is rather weak. Ideal option There will be coarse sand for planting it, but this beauty will accept other soil options quite well. And its siltation is allowed to be very weak or moderate. As for the thickness of the soil, there are also no serious requirements for it - even a couple of centimeters of sand is enough.

The graceful alternanthera sessile will need sufficient lighting for its vital activity, because its intensity determines the color of this beauty. The brighter the light, the more saturated the red shades on its marvelous leaves will be. Whether it be artificial or natural is no longer so important. When organizing artificial lighting, it is recommended to combine standard incandescent lamps with fluorescent lamps. However, LD fluorescent lamps in in this case are unsuitable - alternanthera sessile perceives the spectrum emitted by them rather poorly.

Reproduction of the decorative beauty is carried out by cuttings and usually does not cause any difficulties. The stems that reach the upper water layers need to be shortened, and their tops can be safely placed in the ground. In this case, it is important to ensure that the whorls of the lower leaves are hidden under it. A few days later, new specimens of Alternanthera sessile will develop tiny roots. The stems, distinguished by their considerable length, can also be easily divided into several segments, each of which should have three or four leaves. Mandatory planting directly into the ground is ensured for this aquatic beauty for the reason that the root system of floating specimens takes quite a long time to develop.

Seed propagation of Alternanthera sessile is also possible. Its seeds are usually sown in the spring, and they need to be germinated at a temperature of around twenty degrees.

This representative has quite high growth rates flora characterized when planted in spacious, humid greenhouses, however, it looks less attractive - the pale leaves lose their rich exotic shades. Alternanthera sessile should be moved to land very carefully. Bushes planted in small aquariums quickly form above-water shoots, which are transplanted into flooded or heavily moistened soil. To do this, take simple garden soil, to which peat and sand are added. And the most suitable soil and air temperature is considered to be 26 - 30 degrees. All representatives of the flora growing in greenhouses also need bright lighting. It is noteworthy that Alternanthera sessile grown on land extremely easily returns to water bodies - for this, specimens placed in an aquarium are simply allowed to take root.

Alternanthera is a charming plant that immediately attracts attention. This is a red, blazing fire in the underwater kingdom.

The plant looks great in a variety of aquascapes; as a rule, this plant is used as a focal point. Some Alternanthera species are successfully used in aquariums and ponds: Alternanthera sessilis and Alternanthera reineckii.

Alternanteras were brought to Europe by South American importers in the late seventies. Around the same time, they appeared among our amateur aquarists. The genus Alternanthera Forskal, 1775 belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. There are approximately 200 species in the genus. These are annual and perennial herbaceous plants, bushes and even trees. They are common in tropical and subtropical regions of America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and are even found on the Galapagos Islands.

All representatives of the genus have counter or opposite leaves. The flowers are usually inconspicuous and not conspicuous, but the color of the leaves is so magnificent that several species are widely used in floriculture. Alternanteras, low-growing compact plants used in gardens and parks when decorating carpet flower beds, flower beds, borders, etc. They can be given any shape, as they tolerate cutting quite well. Alternanthera vesikolor looks great, its leaves and stems are dark or copper red, turning to pink; Between the veins on the leaves there are greenish and copper spots. Alternanthera amoena (Lem) Voss and A. bettzickiana are excellent decorations for interiors, their blood-red spots contrast beautifully with the greenery of other plants. Some Alternanthera species are successfully cultivated in aquariums. They were brought to our country under the commercial names "Telantera osiris", "T. lilacina", "T. rubra". All these plants grow, bloom and reproduce well in water. Upon more detailed study by botanists, it was found that these alternanthera should be classified as follows:

Alternanthera reineckii Briquet, 1899 ("Telantera osiris");

Alternanthera sessilis (L. 1753) De Candolle, 1813, having two varieties: A. sessilis var. lilacina ("Telantera lilacina") and A. sessilis var. rubra ("Telantera rubra").

Alternanthera reineckii

Originates from southern Brazil and Paraguay, where it grows as a marsh plant, well adapted to long-term above-water life. This species is the most resistant and easily cultivated underwater conditions. For many years, A. reineckii remains a magnificent addition to decorative aquariums. In nature, it belongs to communities for a long time located in flooded areas. These are huge fields covered with creeping stems with their tops raised above the water. The leaves are sessile, elongated - ellipsoidal in shape, arranged crosswise (each subsequent pair is perpendicular to the previous one). Their length is 2.5-3.5 centimeters, width 0.5-1.5. The upper side is green, the lower side is pink or red. In summer, tiny sessile yellow-green or pinkish flowers appear in the leaf axils. The stem grows vertically underwater and quickly emerges in shallow aquariums. Above-water shoots are used to adapt the plant to terrestrial conditions. If you put them under water again, the leaves will fall off. Thus, the tops of the plant, located above the surface of the water, contribute to the preservation of the species when living conditions change.

In an aquarium, Alternanthera rhineca is planted in the middle ground or on the sides, but not very densely, since the plant is very fragile. When submerged, the stems of the plant grow perpendicularly and quickly reach the surface of the water, and in small aquariums (up to 20-25 cm) they grow above its surface and form airy leaves. In this case, the functions of the underwater leaves lose their strength, and the plant sheds them. Therefore, the crown of the stem that has reached the surface of the water must be pinched in a timely manner. This will not only preserve the underwater leaves, but will also force the stem to branch, forming nice bushes that change color depending on the conditions environment. In an aquarium, Alternanthera rhineca grows quickly, by 10-15 cm per month.

Lighting for Alternanthera Rhineca needs to be bright. Can be used as artificial light sources fluorescent lamps power 0.5 W/l. Leaf color and appearance This plant directly depends on the lighting in the aquarium. Direct line is also very useful for the plant. sunlight. The duration of daylight is at least 12 hours.

The nutritional value of the soil for alternator rhinek is not of great importance. The plant receives nutrients most of it directly from the water. Coarse sand is suitable as a substrate, since the root system of Alternanthera Rhineca develops much better in it. Mineral fertilizing is very useful for rapid growth. Alternanthera rhineca should receive a sufficient amount of nitrogenous substances and trace elements. It is necessary to add divalent iron salts (for example, iron sulfate) to the water 1-2 times a month at a dose of 0.1-0.2 mg per 1 liter of volume.

Alternanthera rhineca reproduces vegetatively. Cuttings are taken from fairly large stems with 4 pairs of leaves and left to float at the surface of the water. The cuttings quickly form roots, after which they can be planted in the ground.

Alternanthera Reinecka also grows well in a humid greenhouse. For optimal plant growth, moist nutritious soil, bright lighting and an air temperature of 26-30 ° C are required. In such conditions, alternanthera forms dense thickets of bright purple color.

Alternanthera sesilis

The process of adaptation to water conditions is not hampered by the falling of the lower leaves, since new ones are formed. decorative bushes. With sufficient lighting in the aquarium, the upper side of the leaf is usually green, the lower side is light green or pinkish; in partial shade or shaded areas - olive-brown and violet-red, respectively. But, unfortunately, this plant has a less intense red color than other Alternanthera species cultivated in our country. It grows equally well in shaded areas and in direct light. Sufficiently mature, well-formed parts of the stems that have at least four pairs of leaves should be planted in the aquarium. This is the only species of the genus that reproduces quite quickly under water, forming powerful bushes. Groups of 10-15 plants look most attractive. They are good for decorating the back walls of small aquariums. In large species aquariums, groups of alternanthers are placed in the middle part in free places, where they form islands with an area of 20-30 square centimeters. Alternatera sessile is characterized by the fact that in its terrestrial form it has a dense, highly branched stem, and in conditions of low humidity it is creeping. The seeds are small, whitish.

Alternanthera sessilis var. lilacina found in warm regions around the globe. This plant adapts well to different forms of existence and can grow both underwater and on land. The color of plants is very variable and depends on cultivation conditions. Usually the upper side of the leaf is olive green, the underside is dark red to purple. But sometimes forms appear in which the leaves on both sides are colored intense red. IN middle lane The plant can be successfully cultivated in open ground in summer. To keep this alternanthera in an aquarium, it must be grown in conditions of high air humidity (85-95 percent) of a tropical paludarium at a temperature of 20 to 30 ° C. Young, not yet flowering shoots, when planted under water, easily take root and relatively rarely die. The plant is insensitive to chemical composition water, tolerates both partial shade and excess light equally well, the optimal pH value of water is about 7. The basic rule when growing this alternanthera is to create fairly stable conditions in the aquarium. She grows beautifully in crystal clean water no algae.Alternanthera sessilis var. rubra- the plant is emergent and can be easily cultivated in a moist paludarium. It grows very quickly: in 3-4 weeks the stem reaches a length of 15-20 centimeters with a large number of leaves. The underwater form forms branched, creeping stems above the ground, and only a third of them straighten and also begin to branch strongly near the surface of the water. In general, they reach a length of 50-60 centimeters. The leaves are opposite, 3.5-5.0 long and 0.8-1.7 centimeters wide. On both sides they are painted ruby red. The stem is also red.

Pressed to the ground with a pebble, it forms a large number of white roots in the place of an independent pair of leaves and takes root easily. The flowers are completely sessile, red or pink; they appear in the axils of the opposite pair of leaves. Since this plant comes from the tropics, it begins to bloom around the equinox, when there is 12 hours of light per day, that is, the length of a tropical day. These plants are usually planted in an aquarium in groups of 3-5 or more shoots. The most suitable place is in the middle part of the pond, where they are placed in front of taller green and yellow-green plants. Under water they take root within ten days, but subsequently they do not grow as quickly as in the paludarium, and retain their roots well. decorative look within 2-6 months. When the leaves begin to fall, the plants should be replaced with new ones. To do this, you need to have an additional greenhouse, growing new adult plants from cuttings in it, which need the highest possible air humidity and diffused lighting. In aquarium conditions A. sessilis var. rubra needs good lighting and slightly acidic water.

Alternanteras are amazingly beautiful plants that serve as decoration for decorative aquariums. They also look great when cultivated in open reservoirs of garden plots, where you can create compositions with both aquatic forms and those that have emerged to the surface of the water and rooted on coastal soil.

All of the above is just the fruit of observing this type of aquarium plant and collecting various information from owners and breeders. We would like to share with visitors not only information, but also with live emotions, allowing you to penetrate the world of aquariums more fully and subtly. Register on, participate in discussions on the forum, create profile topics where you will talk about your aquatic organisms in the first person and first-hand, describe their content features, share with us your successes and joys, share your experience and learn from the experience of others. We are interested in every bit of your experience, every second of your joy, every awareness of a mistake, which makes it possible for your comrades to avoid the same mistake. The more of us there are, the more pure and transparent drops of goodness there are in the life and everyday life of our seven billion society.