How To Care For Scarlet Temple Live Aquarium Plant: A Complete Guide
Scarlet Temple, scientifically known as Hygrophila corymbosa 'Red', is a striking and vibrant aquarium plant that stands out with its rich, red-tinted foliage. Native to Southeast Asia, it is well-loved by aquarists for its dramatic coloration, rapid growth, and ease of care. Its vivid red and green hues make it an excellent choice for aquascaping, adding a beautiful contrast to your aquarium landscape.
In this complete care guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to properly care for Scarlet Temple, including its ideal growing conditions, lighting needs, substrate, fertilization, and potential problems you may encounter. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to keep this stunning plant flourishing in your aquarium.
What is Scarlet Temple?
Scarlet Temple is a cultivar of the species Hygrophila corymbosa, and it's particularly famous for its bright red to pinkish-red leaves, which become more intense under the right growing conditions. As an emergent plant in its natural habitat, it grows in the shallow waters of rivers and streams, and it can be found thriving in various Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand and India.
While its cousin, Hygrophila corymbosa, typically has green leaves, the Scarlet Temple version has been selectively bred for its vibrant red coloration, which is achieved through exposure to the right combination of light, nutrients, and water parameters.
Characteristics of Scarlet Temple:
- Leaves: Scarlet Temple has long, narrow leaves that take on a deep red to purple hue, especially under high light. The plant’s leaves can grow to around 5-8 inches (12-20 cm) in length, with a fine texture and slightly wavy edges.
- Growth Habit: This plant grows as a stem plant, meaning it sends out multiple stems from the base. It tends to grow upright and can reach heights of 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) depending on the lighting and nutrients provided.
- Growth Rate: Scarlet Temple is considered a fast-growing plant, especially in nutrient-rich environments, making it ideal for aquascaping designs that need rapid coverage or background plants.
Ideal Water Conditions for Scarlet Temple
Scarlet Temple thrives in tropical water conditions that closely resemble its native habitat. By providing the ideal water parameters, you’ll help your plant grow rapidly and retain its stunning red coloration.
1. Water Temperature
The ideal water temperature for Scarlet Temple falls between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C). This range closely matches the natural environment of the plant, where water temperatures are consistently warm. Temperatures outside of this range, especially cooler water, can slow down growth and cause stress to the plant.
2. pH Level
Scarlet Temple prefers slightly acidic to neutral water, with an ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. This pH range helps ensure the plant is able to absorb nutrients effectively, especially important trace elements such as iron and magnesium, which promote healthy growth and coloration.
3. Water Hardness
Scarlet Temple prefers soft to moderately hard water, with a dGH (general hardness) range of about 3-12. While it can tolerate harder water, softer water helps the plant absorb nutrients more efficiently. Excessively hard water may lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can affect the plant's color and overall health.
4. Water Flow
Scarlet Temple does best in moderate water flow. Strong currents can cause the delicate stems to break or detach, while low flow may hinder nutrient distribution. In a well-filtered tank, this plant will thrive in a steady but not overwhelming current.
Lighting Requirements for Scarlet Temple
Lighting plays a crucial role in the coloration and growth of Scarlet Temple. Unlike some other aquarium plants, it requires strong lighting to achieve its vibrant red coloration. Without sufficient light, the plant’s leaves may revert to a dull green color.
1. Light Intensity
For optimal red coloration, provide moderate to high light. Ideally, Scarlet Temple should receive between 2 to 4 watts per gallon of light, which translates to strong LED or fluorescent lights. If you’re using a low-tech setup or a low-light tank, the plant may not show its best coloration and could appear more green.
2. Light Duration
Scarlet Temple should be exposed to about 10-12 hours of light per day. Providing this amount of light encourages vigorous growth and helps the plant absorb nutrients effectively. However, be mindful of algae growth, as prolonged exposure to intense lighting can lead to algae blooms in your tank.
3. Light Spectrum
Scarlet Temple benefits from a full-spectrum light that includes both blue and red wavelengths. A color temperature of 6,500K to 8,000K is ideal for most freshwater aquariums and will provide the necessary light for the plant to thrive while helping to bring out its rich red hues.
Substrate and Planting Scarlet Temple
Scarlet Temple requires a nutrient-rich substrate to thrive. The plant is a root feeder, meaning it absorbs most of its nutrients from the substrate, so choosing the right substrate will greatly influence its health and growth rate.
1. Substrate Type
Scarlet Temple does best in fine-gravel or nutrient-rich soil. Aquarium soil or aquatic plant substrates are the best choices, as they provide an abundance of nutrients. If you are using a more basic substrate like gravel, you can supplement with root tabs or liquid fertilizers to ensure the plant receives the necessary nutrients.
2. Planting Technique
To plant Scarlet Temple, carefully insert the stems into the substrate, leaving the base just below the surface. Ensure that the stems are not buried too deeply, as this could hinder their ability to grow. Scarlet Temple grows in a bushy manner, and if left to grow freely, it will produce multiple stems. This makes it perfect for background planting in aquariums.
You can also trim the stems to maintain a desired height or shape. When trimming, simply cut the stems back to promote bushier growth.
Fertilization for Scarlet Temple
Scarlet Temple is a fast-growing plant, and to support its rapid growth, it needs a regular supply of nutrients. Adequate fertilization is key to maintaining healthy and vibrant plants in your aquarium.
1. Liquid Fertilizers
Scarlet Temple benefits from liquid fertilizers that contain macro and micronutrients. Choose a high-quality aquarium fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to algae growth and nutrient imbalances.
2. Root Tabs
To supplement the plant’s root feeding, consider using root tabs in the substrate around the plant. These tabs release nutrients over time, which are absorbed directly by the plant’s roots, enhancing growth and helping to maintain vibrant coloration.
3. CO2 Injection
For optimal growth and color, consider using a CO2 injection system. Scarlet Temple responds well to CO2, especially in high-tech tanks with high light and nutrient-rich substrates. While it can grow without CO2, providing it with this extra boost can result in faster growth and more intense red hues.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
While Scarlet Temple is a relatively hardy plant, there are some common issues that aquarists may encounter. Let’s look at how to identify and fix these problems.
1. Lack of Red Coloration
If your Scarlet Temple is not turning red, there may be several reasons:
- Insufficient light: Scarlet Temple requires high light to achieve its red color. Increase the light intensity or duration to help the plant achieve vibrant colors.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Ensure that the plant is receiving enough nutrients, particularly iron. Adding iron supplements or using root tabs can address this issue.
- Water conditions: Make sure the water parameters, such as pH and hardness, are in the ideal range. Extremely soft or hard water can hinder the plant’s ability to produce its vibrant red leaves.
2. Yellowing Leaves
If the leaves of Scarlet Temple start turning yellow, it could indicate a nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen or iron. Add appropriate fertilizers to correct this issue. It could also be a sign of poor lighting—make sure the plant is getting enough light to thrive.
3. Algae Growth
Excessive algae growth can be a problem in tanks with high light. To combat algae, reduce light exposure or consider introducing algae-eating species like Amano shrimp, Otocinclus, or Nerite snails. Regular water changes and cleaning the plant’s leaves will also help prevent algae buildup.
Conclusion
Scarlet Temple is an eye-catching and rewarding plant to grow in your aquarium. By providing the right water conditions, lighting, and fertilization, you can enjoy its vibrant red foliage and rapid growth. Whether you're designing a lush aquascape or just adding a pop of color to your aquarium, Scarlet Temple is sure to make a statement.
With a little care and attention, this plant will thrive and bring beauty to your aquatic environment. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to growing a healthy, vibrant Scarlet Temple in your aquarium. Happy aquascaping!
