Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'

Overview: Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' is one of the dwarf species of the popular Alternanthera reineckii. It is native to South America and is highly popular among the aquarists. Due to small size, it can be grown in different sizes of aquariums, especially the small tanks. Those who have small tanks due to space constraint can go for Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' without any second thought to achieve a stunning aquascape.  What makes it popular is the compact growth and vibrant red and purple color leaves. One can grow it as a foreground or midground plant. At the same time, it is easy to care and maintain.

Appearance: Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' is a visually appealing aquarium plant that has compact and bushy growth pattern. The leaves are small, oval-shaped with vibrant red, purple, or maroon colors. The intensity of leaves’ color changes according to the water parameters. For instance, under high light, the leaves attain deeper hues of red and purple while under low light conditions, they stay green or even dull. Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' does not reach beyond 15 cm, thus suitable as a foreground or midground setup. It can add striking contrast to the greenery of other plants.

Hard/Soft Plant: It is a soft plant with the ability to thrive in soft and moderately hard water conditions. If the water is too hard, the plant may show stunted growth and poor coloration.

Ideal Water Temperature: The best temperature for Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' to thrive is between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius. When the temperature stays within this limit, the plant shows vibrant growth. On the contrary, under low temperature, the growth slows down and plant lose its vibrancy.

Lighting Conditions: The best light condition for the plant to thrive is moderate to high. Brighter light will promote vibrant color leaves and in the lack of light intensity, the plant will lose its characteristic color and turn green or yellow. Low light will also make the plant weak.

Ideal pH Level: The suitable pH range for Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' is between 6 and 7.5. Make sure that the temperature stays within the range for the plant to show proper growth and development.

Other Requirements: Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' prefers nutrient-rich substrate. Adding liquid fertilizers to the tank helps to maintain healthy growth of the plant. From micro nutrients like N, P and K to the macro nutrients like Fe, Mn and Mg, this plant requires everything for the growth. Carbon dioxide supplementation is not strictly necessary; however, adding it can significantly improve the plant's growth rate and color intensity.

Propagation: Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' can be propagated by stem cutting. Simply cut a healthy stem just below a node and replant it in the substrate. The cutting will quickly develop roots and start growing. Regular trimming will keep the growth compact and bushy.

Do You Know: The stunning red and purple colors of Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' are most prominent under high lighting conditions, making it a perfect choice for aquascaping, where contrasting colors are often used to create visual interest.