DifficultAciotis acuminifolia
Aciotis acuminifolia
18–30°C
High LightRed Aquarium Plants
Browse red aquarium plants and compare growth rate, placement, temperature and light requirements. Colour intensity can vary considerably between species and growing conditions, so use each plant profile to find the right fit for your aquarium.
129 matching plants
Collection note: plants are included when red is recorded in their Plant Database colour data; names and photos are not used to infer colour.
Plants in this collection
Showing 24 plants, prioritising available photos. Open a profile for the complete care data.
Difficult18–30°CHigh Light
ModerateAlternanthera reineckii 'Mini'
Alternanthera reineckii Briq.
17–25°C
Medium Light
ModerateAlternanthera reineckii 'Pink Sunset'
Alternanthera reineckii
22–28°CMedium Light
ModerateAlternanthera reineckii 'Rosanervig'
Alternanthera reineckii Briq.
17–25°CMedium Light
ModerateAlternanthera reineckii 'Super Magenta'
Alternanthera reineckii
22–28°CMedium Light
ModerateAlternanthera reineckii "Lilacina"
Alternanthera reineckii Briq.
17–25°CMedium Light
ModerateAlternanthera reineckii "Rosaefolia"
Alternanthera reineckii Briq.
17–25°CMedium Light
DifficultAmmannia crassicaulis
Ammannia crassicaulis
22–28°CHigh Light
ModerateAmmannia gracilis
Ammannia gracilis
22–28°CMedium Light
EasyBacopa caroliniana
Bacopa caroliniana
20–25°CMedium Light
ModerateBacopa salzmannii
Bacopa salzmannii
15–30°CMedium Light
ModerateBarclaya longifolia
Barclaya longifolia
24–28°CMedium Light
EasyBucephalandra sordidula
Bucephalandra sordidula
20–26°C
Low Light
EasyBucephalandra sp. 'Brownie Ghost'
20–28°CLow Light
EasyBucephalandra sp. "Braun-red narrow"
20–26°CLow Light
EasyBucephalandra sp. "Brownie Purple"
Bucephalandra sp.
20–27°CLow Light
EasyBucephalandra sp. "Kedagang"
20–26°CLow Light
EasyBucephalandra sp. "Theia Green"
Bucephalandra sp.
20–27°CLow Light
DifficultCabomba furcata
Cabomba furcata
24–30°CMedium Light
EasyCryptocoryne nurii var. raubensis 'Rosen Maiden'
23–26°CMedium Light
EasyCryptocoryne spiralis 'Red'
20–28°CMedium Light
EasyCryptocoryne wendtii 'Mi Oya'
Cryptocoryne wendtii de Wit
22–26°CLow Light
ModerateEchinodorus 'Aflame'
20–28°CMedium Light
EasyEchinodorus 'Green Chameleon'
18–28°CHigh LightWhy red aquarium plants can look green
Red aquarium plants do not always stay equally red. In many species, stronger light encourages more intense red, pink or orange coloration, while the same plant may remain noticeably greener under lower light. Newly purchased plants can also look different because many are grown emersed; after planting, new submerged leaves may develop a different shape and stronger coloration. Genetics, CO₂ stability and nutrient balance also influence the final colour, so use each plant’s individual light and care requirements rather than colour alone.
Recommended tools
Aquarium Lighting Calculator
Estimate whether the aquarium provides enough usable light for more demanding plants.
Aquarium Fertilizer Dosing Calculator
Model nutrient availability and dosing targets in a planted aquarium.
Related lessons
Red aquarium plant FAQ
Why are my red aquarium plants turning green?
Lower light, unstable growing conditions and the transition from emersed to submerged growth can all reduce red coloration. Check the species profile before increasing light because requirements differ.
Do red aquarium plants need high light?
Not every red species needs high light, but stronger usable light often improves red, pink or orange coloration. Increase intensity gradually and balance it with plant mass, nutrients and algae control.
Do red aquarium plants need extra iron?
Red colour alone is not evidence of iron deficiency. Plants need balanced macro- and micronutrients; add iron only as part of an appropriate fertilizer plan rather than dosing it solely to force colour.
Can red aquarium plants grow without injected CO₂?
Some red aquarium plants can grow without injected CO₂, especially less demanding species, but growth may be slower and coloration less intense. Stable light and nutrients remain important.
