Alligator Weed

Alternanthera philoxeroides

Family : Amaranthaceae

PlantFreshwaterstem plant

Very hardy and invasive stem plant, used in paludariums or outdoor ponds.

Alligator Weed — photo 1 sur 4 — National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA. · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain1 / 4

Popularity

Stem plant

fast growing, needs trimming

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Biotope

South America

Hors bassin amazonien : Paraná, Orénoque, Andes.

Description

Alternanthera philoxeroides is an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant with hollow, floating stems. Its leaves are opposite, oval, dark green, glossy. It can form dense mats on the surface. In aquariums, it grows quickly and can reach 60 cm. Its flowers are white, globular, in heads. It is known for its invasive nature in warm regions. In controlled cultivation, it is easy to maintain. It tolerates a wide range of conditions.

Habitat

Region :

Wetlands, marshes, ditches, lake edges

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature18–30 °C

pH6–8.5

GH3–25 °dGH

KH3–20 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 40 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 4 mg/L

CO₂

≤ 15 mg/L

Light

Medium

Care

Difficulty

1/5

Diet

Photosynthetic

Min. tank

50 L

Min. group

Adult size

60 cm

Lifespan

2 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

cuttings, division

Care notes

Moderate lighting (0.4-0.8 W/L) is sufficient. CO2 not needed. Temperature 18-30°C, pH 6-8.5, GH 3-25, KH 3-20. Nitrates <40 mg/L, phosphates <4 mg/L. Very tolerant of hardness. Fast growth, requires frequent trimming to prevent overgrowth. Suitable for outdoor ponds in summer. Caution: invasive species, do not release into nature. Compatible with most fish. Can be used as a floating plant.

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