Alternanthera versicolor
Also family Amaranthaceae this is another of the commonly called rose bushes. Like the green variety it is a fairly tough plant but never the less not an easy plant to grow well in an aquarium. It also seems to loose its bright markings on the leaves when it is grown submersed. This Alternanthera can also be propagated easily by cuttings planted directly into the substrate of the tank. This plants bright reds, pinks and orange colours in the leaves make it a very worth while plant to add colour in an aquarium.
Habitat
Alternanthera is the botanical name for a small group of dwarf, tender plants native to tropical America. 'Alternanthera' is derived from two latin words - (alternans) which means 'alternating', and (anthera) 'an anther', and refers to the fact that alternate anthers are sterile. 'Alternanthera' belongs to the Amarathus family 'Amaranthaceae'. These plants are sometimes also called 'Achyranthes' or 'Telanthera'. Where winters are cold, the plants are treated as annual bedding plants and are set out in the garden in spring after danger of frost has past. They grow well in almost any type of soil, but must have full sun. The plants are generally spaced 4 - 5 inches apart in the flower bed (ref). It can be considered an annual shrub. They do best in well-drained soil that is not excessively moist. They are very frost-tender (ref). It can be potted as a house plant.
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