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Add livestock to unlock free 2-Day shipping at $120+
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100% Live Arrival Guarantee
Photo in original packaging on day of delivery, before trimming or replanting. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
100+ AquariumsQuarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned
Care Level
Moderate
Light
Medium–High
CO₂
Helpful but not required
pH Range
6.0–7.5
Scarlet Temple (Alternanthera Reineckii)$9.99
Species Profile
Scarlet Temple (Alternanthera Reineckii)
Alternanthera reineckii
Why We Love This Plant
Selected for shrimp tanks
Improves water quality
No CO₂ required
Beginner-friendly
Scarlet Temple (Alternanthera reineckii) is one of the most popular red stem plants in the freshwater hobby — broad oval leaves in tones ranging from deep pink and magenta to wine-red, paired with contrasting green undersides. It ships as a small bunch of cut stems, lead-weighted together at the base.
Scarlet Temple develops its strongest color under medium-high light with consistent iron-rich dosing. It will grow under medium light without CO2, but the red intensity is reduced. The stems should be separated, trimmed at the base, and planted individually in substrate.
Care Notes
Scarlet Temple is a heavier root feeder than most stem plants and benefits significantly from root tabs and consistent iron-rich liquid fertilization. CO2 is not required but improves both color and growth rate noticeably.
Trim tall stems and replant the tops to keep the bunch dense — untrimmed stems can lose lower leaves. New growth is the most colorful; keeping the bunch trimmed and topping regularly keeps the visual red profile strong.
Quick Care Facts
Care Level
Moderate
Temperature
72–82°F
pH Range
6.0–7.5
Light Req.
Medium–High
CO₂
Helpful but not required
Placement
Remove lead weight. Separate bunch into individual stems....
What’s Included
Healthy live plants
Damp-packed bags
Packed with damp protective material
Free at $75+
Species Spotlight
Why We Love This Plant
01
The Most Accessible Red Stem
Scarlet Temple delivers deep pink, magenta, and wine-red tones with less demanding care than most red stems. A great first colored stem plant.
02
Pink-Green Color Contrast
Red-pink upper leaf surface paired with a green underside creates layered color visible through the entire planted backdrop.
03
Selected for Shrimp Tanks
Selected for shrimp tanks and handled with invertebrate safety in mind.
Expert Advice
Razz Aquatics Recommendation
For the strongest red color, give Scarlet Temple bright light, consistent iron dosing, and root tabs around the base. Top regularly to keep the bunch dense and colorful. This is the most accessible red stem plant in the hobby — a great first step into colored stems for new aquascapers.
Plants and dry goods ship Monday through Thursday. Ground transit times vary by location.
1
Order Your Plants
Plants and dry goods ship Monday through Thursday. Ground transit times vary by location.
2
Inspected & Trimmed
Every plant is inspected and trimmed if needed before packing. We avoid dry or brittle portions and only ship healthy, viable plant material.
3
Packed for the Weather
Plants are packed with damp protective material to help protect them in transit. Weather protection may be used when conditions require it.
4
Live Arrival Guaranteed
100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo in original packaging on day of delivery, before trimming or replanting. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
Free shipping on plants & dry goods at $75+. Add livestock to unlock free 2-Day shipping at $120+.
Why Order From Razz Aquatics
Packed Fresh for Your Aquarium
Every plant is inspected, trimmed when needed, and packed damp so it arrives ready for your aquarium. We avoid dry or brittle portions and pack plants with the same care we use for every order that leaves our facility.
This is a family-owned operation. We pack every order ourselves and stand behind it with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. No drop-shipping. No middlemen.
100+
Aquariums on-site \u2014 we know what plants thrive
48+
States served with safe plant delivery
4.9★
Average customer rating across all verified reviews
100%
Live Arrival Guarantee — backed without fine print
Packed Damp & FreshFamily-Owned & Operated
Common Questions
Scarlet Temple (Alternanthera Reineckii) FAQ
Is Scarlet Temple safe for shrimp?+
Yes — Scarlet Temple is great for shrimp tanks. We select plants for shrimp tanks and handle them with invertebrate safety in mind.
How do I plant the bunch?+
Remove the lead weight, separate the bunch into individual stems, and trim about half an inch off the bottom of each. Push each stem about an inch into substrate, spaced an inch apart. Planted in a bunch with the lead weight intact, the base will rot.
How fast does it grow?+
Moderate to fast under good conditions. Topping every few weeks is normal when the plant is healthy.
What is the free shipping threshold?+
Plants and dry goods ship free at $75+. Adding livestock to your order unlocks free 2-Day Shipping at $120+ or free Overnight at $200+.
Do I need CO2 or fertilizer?+
CO2 is not required but improves both color and growth rate. Iron-rich liquid dosing and root tabs are strongly recommended for strong red coloration.
How do I get the deepest red color?+
Give Scarlet Temple bright light, consistent iron-rich dosing, root tabs at the base, and ideally CO2 injection. Without these, the plant grows greener-pink rather than vivid red. Color is not guaranteed.
How is it shipped?+
Plants are packed with damp protective material to help protect them in transit. Weather protection may be used when conditions require it. Plants typically ship Monday through Thursday so they avoid sitting over the weekend.
Is there a live arrival guarantee?+
Yes — Live Plant Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photograph the plant in its original packaging on the day of delivery, before trimming or replanting, and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.
