DIFFICULTY Advanced

Benefits from more deliberate care.

LIGHT Very High

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Required

Injected CO₂ is important for expected growth.

GROWTH Medium

Medium trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About AR Lilacina

A tall stem plant with a deep lilac or purple hue.

Alternanthera reineckii 'Lilacina' requires strong light and CO2 to maintain its unique lilac coloration. It is slightly more demanding than Rosaefolia.
Shrimp friendly High-tech suitable
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementBackground
Typical height8–20 in
Typical width6 in
Suggested minimum tank10 gal
Suggested tank height22 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightVery High
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR50–120
Injected CO₂Required
CO₂ benefitVery High
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingModerate
Water-column feedingModerate
Overall fertilizer demandHigh
Iron demandHigh
MicronutrientsModerate
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature72–82°F
pH6–7
GH2–10 dGH
KH2–8 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate

Plant stems individually.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Acclimation

Prone to melting.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Algae issues and lower leaf drop.