Scarlet Temple (Alternanthera Reineckii) – Live Freshwater Aquarium Plant

Scarlet Temple (Alternanthera Reineckii) is a striking freshwater aquarium plant known for its intense red, burgundy, and purple tones. This colorful stem plant is a favorite among aquascapers looking to add bold contrast and depth to planted tanks.

With proper lighting and nutrients, Scarlet Temple develops rich coloration and bushy growth, making it an excellent midground or background feature plant. It is hardy, adaptable, and suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

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Key Features

Vibrant Red & Purple Foliage
Deep red and violet leaves create dramatic contrast in aquascapes.

Fast-Growing Stem Plant
Develops multiple side shoots when trimmed, forming dense clusters.

Excellent Visual Impact
Adds bold color and dimension to planted tanks.

Adaptable & Hardy
Thrives in a wide range of freshwater conditions.

Beginner-Friendly
Easy to maintain with basic lighting and fertilization.

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Benefits

Scarlet Temple enhances aquariums by adding intense color while also improving water quality. As a fast-growing plant, it absorbs excess nutrients, helping reduce algae growth and stabilize tank conditions. Its dense foliage provides shelter for fish and invertebrates, making it both functional and beautiful.

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Care Guide

Light
Moderate to high lighting for best coloration.

Water Temperature
68–82°F (20–28°C)

Placement
Midground to background

Substrate
Plant stems directly into nutrient-rich substrate.

CO₂
Not required, but improves growth and color.

Growth Rate
Medium to fast

Maintenance Level
Easy
Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth.

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How to Plant

Rinse stems gently before planting.

Remove lower leaves from each stem.

Insert stems 1–2 inches into substrate.

Space stems slightly apart for better spread.

Trim tops and replant cuttings for thicker growth.

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Perfect For

• Freshwater aquariums
• Red-themed aquascapes
• Beginner planted tanks
• Midground and background layouts
• Community tanks

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Why Choose Scarlet Temple?

• Rich red and purple coloration
• Easy to grow and propagate
• Enhances water quality naturally
• Provides shelter for fish
• High visual impact with minimal effort

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Quality Assurance

• Healthy, farm-grown plants
• Inspected before shipping
• Shipped fresh and ready to plant

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Live Arrival Guarantee

Your plant is protected by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
If it arrives damaged or unhealthy, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos for a replacement or refund.

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Important Notes

• Color intensity depends on lighting and nutrients
• Initial leaf melt is normal during adjustment
• Live plants naturally vary in size and shade

At Canton Aquatics LLC, we take great pride in providing high-quality live aquarium plants to our customers. We understand the complexities involved in shipping live plants and are committed to ensuring they arrive at your doorstep in excellent condition.

Shipping Process:

• All live plants are shipped using USPS Standard and Priority Mail to provide the fastest and most reliable service.
• Plants are typically shipped Monday - Friday to avoid weekend delays.
• Each plant is carefully packaged in sealed plastic bags to hold in moisture during the shipping process.

DOA (Dead on Arrival) Policy:

• If you receive plants that are dead on arrival, please contact us within 2 hours of delivery with clear photographic evidence.
• Upon receipt of the photos, we will assess the situation. If the plants are determined to be DOA, we will replace or provide refund.
• For a valid DOA claim, replacements or refunds will be processed within 2 business days after the claim is approved.
• Please keep in mind that all plants require sun light to live therefore your plants may arrive slightly yellow.  Please float your plants at the top of your tank near the light for 3 days if applicable.  They will enjoy this new added light intensity to help them recover.

Limitations and Responsibilities:

• The DOA policy is only applicable if the first delivery attempt is made within the shipping duration specified at the time of purchase.
• Delays due to incorrect shipping information provided by the customer or missed deliveries will void the DOA guarantee.
• Extreme weather conditions can impact the health of the plants in transit. We recommend checking the weather forecasts and choosing a shipping window accordingly.
• It is the responsibility of the customer to acclimate the plants to their new environment according to best practices. Our DOA policy does not cover plants that perish due to improper acclimation.

Cancellation and Changes:

• Orders can only be cancelled or changed before they are shipped. Once the order is in transit, we cannot accept cancellations or changes.

Customer Support:

• If you have any questions or concerns regarding our shipping policy or the condition of your plants upon arrival, please contact our customer support team at [Contact Information].

By placing an order with Canton Aquatics LLC, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this shipping policy.

Please be sure to check the regulations in your state regarding restricted plants. Our policy is to avoid shipping any plants that are prohibited in your area to ensure compliance and environmental safety. It's important not to introduce plants into the wild or waterways, as this could disrupt local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.

We appreciate your efforts in helping to protect the environment. For the latest updates, you can consult the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.

Thank you for your dedication to preserving our natural habitats.