Aquarium plant

Alternanthera aquatica

Alternanthera aquatica (D.Parodi) Chodat

FloatingFloating plant

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Plant overview

Alternanthera aquatica grows as a floating plant and fits floating planting. Care: medium care, medium light, none CO₂.

Recorded water ranges cover temperature 18–30 °C, pH 5–8, KH 0–21 °dKH, CO₂ –4 mg/L.

Planting & care

PlacementFloating
GrowthFloating plant
LightMedium
CO2None

Water conditions

Temperature: 18–30 °C
pH: 5–8
Carbonate hardness: 0–21 °dKH
CO₂ (mg/L): –4 mg/L

Growth & placement

Growth rate: Fast
Width: 12–14 cm
Propagation: Cuttings
Color: green

Taxonomy

Major group: Angiosperms
Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus: Alternanthera
Botanical name: Alternanthera aquatica (D.Parodi) Chodat

About this plant

Alternanthera aquatica is an unusual floating stem plant from tropical South America, adapted to quiet river margins, lakeshores and marshes. Its thickened, air-filled internodes keep the sprawling shoots buoyant, while roots may anchor in nutrient-rich mud when they reach the substrate. In an open aquarium or paludarium, the plant develops broad green foliage and long branching stems that can quickly occupy the water surface. Regular pruning is essential, especially in smaller tanks. Medium to strong light supports sturdy growth, while additional carbon dioxide is optional rather than essential. Cut sections root readily and can be replanted or left floating. Because of its eventual size, Alternanthera aquatica is best treated as a botanical feature for spacious, open setups rather than a compact background plant.