A varied planted aquarium is fun and offers the fish places to retreat. But it doesn’t always have to be green. Red aquarium plants set visual highlights, loosen up the aquarium landscape and also take on important functions in the aquarium. Like their green relatives, they generate oxygen and absorb excess nutrients. With a mixture of green and red aquarium plants, you not only exploit the variety of different aquarium plants, but also create exciting contrasts.
How do aquarium plants turn red? Care tips for red aquatic plants
It is not uncommon for red aquarium plants to be bought, but they are then presented in the aquarium in orange-brown tones rather than bright red, despite good lighting conditions and optimal nutrient supply. However, images from social networks in particular show that things can be different have to go. With a bit of instinct, you can easily achieve the right shade of red aquarium plants:
The right lighting
On the one hand, this includes the right lighting. In addition to a white light, you can use blue or red light sources, for example. They visually emphasize the inherent color of different objects in the aquarium, such as plants or fish. Red stem plants such as Althernanthera reineckii rosaefolia, red parrot leaf, shine particularly beautifully with the use of suitable LED lamps.
The right nutrient ratio
In order to develop healthy growth, plants need a balance of carbon, micro and macro nutrients. However, red coloring in plants often only occurs as a reaction to a lack of nutrients. If, for example, there is a shortage of phosphate and/or nitrogen, this can already lead to the desired effect. If the nitrate level in the water is high, the leaves usually remain green or brownish. If the nitrate supply is reduced, intensive red tones are usually seen.
But beware: The nutrient supply should only be reduced so much in exceptional cases, otherwise the deficiency will lead to growth disorders in the plant.
Red plants in the aquarium: successful breeds
Another factor for a high-contrast aquarium is choosing the right plants. There are red colored breeds of many aquatic plants, such as Echinodorus. This is usually a red variant of green plants. The original purpose of developing variegated leaves was to attract insects and encourage insect pollination. Strictly speaking, these are mutations in the context of evolution.
Water-soluble plant pigments, the so-called anthocyanins, are responsible for the colorful coloring. They occur in the cell sap of many plants and give them a red, violet or blue color. They protect the plant from too much sunlight and UV radiation – and thus also from sunburn. The anthocyanins absorb the radiation and convert it into thermal energy. In this way, cells, proteins, cell nuclei and also DNA are effectively protected.
The TOP 5 most popular red aquarium plants
Choosing the right plant is crucial for a red color dress. There are often different colorings of an original plant. We have summarized the most popular red aquarium plants for you:
Althernanthera reineckii rosaefolia – the red parrot leaf
The particularly colorful stem plant, the upper and lower sides of the leaves and the stems have a brown-red to cherry-red color. In order to keep its intense color, this plant needs a sufficient supply of Co2 and good lighting. A pruning should be done every six to eight weeks. The red parrot leaf is particularly suitable for discus aquariums in combination with sword plants.
Rotala rotundifolia – the round-leaved Rotala
Despite its name, this aquarium plant only develops round-leaved leaves in the swamp form; in the aquarium they are elongated and thin. Rotala rotundifolia is quite undemanding, but needs a lot of light to turn its leaves red. It is vigorous and quickly develops a dense, bushy shape. In order for the lower leaves to get light, this aquarium plant has to be cut back frequently. Easy-care
Echinodorus Red Flame – sword plant flamed red
Echinodorus Red Flame, the red-flamed sword plant, is not only very popular because of its high-contrast leaf coloring, but also because of its undemanding nature. Its leaves are bright red with green markings. While they are rather inconspicuous in emersed culture, they provide a high-contrast look in the aquarium.
Nymphaea lotus Red – Red Tiger Lotus
The bulbous plant is also known under the name “red tiger lotus” and comes from the tropical latitudes of Africa. There it is mainly found in lakes and ponds. The growth of this aquarium plant, which is popular with aquarists, can be controlled by lighting and pruning. Easy-care
Ludwigia repens – Burgundy Ludwigia
The wine-red Ludwigia belongs to the evening primrose family and impresses with its intense red leaves. Emers cultivated, the aquarium plant from Central America has dark green leaves. If they have grown under water, they are dolg brown on top and bright wine-red on the underside. Easy-care
Create variety in the aquarium and set visual eye-catchers with red aquarium plants. We will be happy to advise you when it comes to choosing the right plants. We are happy to help you with words and deeds.
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