ROSAEFOLIA CARE

[bes2534]

I just purchased a beautiful rosaefolia. Very full and a bright red color. I've read that they require high light while other sources say they only need moderate light.

Regardless, I have a feeling that the bulb in my tank is not strong enough. It is a 14 watt fluorescent light that is 15 inches in length, for an 8 gallon tank. I usually keep the light on for at least 12 hours a day.

Is this enough to keep the plant bright red and in good condition?

 

[WyldFya]

It will likely turn a dull orange. Your tank is also too small for this plant.

 

[bes2534]

is there anything that i can do to keep the plant in its present condition? stronger bulb? nutrients?

 

[WyldFya]

Alternanthera rosaefolia is not an extremely easy to grow plant. It needs a larger aquarium than you have, as well as far more powerful lights, and a good balance of nutrients.

 

[bes2534]

Gotcha. I understand what you mean, but since I already purchased it and it is currently in my tank, what can I do to try and preserve it. Though the tank may be small for it, I don't have much else in it. What kind of bulb do you recommend? And nutrients?

 

[Knowdafish]

24 watts

 

[WyldFya]

Gotcha. I understand what you mean, but since I already purchased it and it is currently in my tank, what can I do to try and preserve it. Though the tank may be small for it, I don't have much else in it. What kind of bulb do you recommend? And nutrients?

Rosaefolia will grow out of your tank quickly, and will not survive. It isn't really possible to keep it in such a small tank and have it look good.

 

[Lord Barium]

Be sure to keep the temperature down. 68-75 degrees farinheit.

 

[WyldFya]

Be sure to keep the temperature down. 68-75 degrees farinheit.

Alternanthera rosaefolia does fine in far warmer temperatures than that. The range for this plant is more like 60dF-88dF.