Alternanthera Reineckii Mini

Alternanthera Reineckii Mini is a compact dwarf cultivar of Alternanthera reineckii that produces tight, small-leaved red stems growing to just 4 to 8 inches — making it one of the very few genuinely red foreground to midground stem plants available for the planted aquarium. Its small scale allows it to occupy positions where full-sized Alternanthera would be entirely out of proportion, opening up new creative possibilities for foreground color.

Care tip: Alternanthera Reineckii Mini grows best in high lighting with CO₂ recommended. Maintain temperatures of 72–82°F and pH 6.0–7.0. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and best coloration.

The compact nature of Alternanthera Reineckii Mini makes it perfect for detailed foreground compositions in medium to large aquariums, and as a midground accent in smaller tanks. Regular trimming of the tops and replanting creates spreading, mat-like groupings of dense red foliage that create vivid color at eye level in the aquascape — a position where warm-toned plants are relatively rare.

As an advanced plant, Alternanthera Reineckii Mini requires high lighting and CO₂ supplementation for its best growth and color — without adequate light the stems etiolate and the red color fades significantly. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 provide ideal conditions. Consistent iron-rich liquid fertilization is particularly important for this compact variety to maintain the intense red coloration across its small leaves.

In the aquascape, Alternanthera Reineckii Mini provides warm red foreground color that is genuinely rare in the hobby. Most red plants are background species — Mini brings that warmth down to the foreground level where it creates extraordinary color contrast with green carpet plants and pale substrate. In Dutch aquascaping it is treasured as a compact color accent. In nature-style scapes it creates vivid color moments close to the viewer.

Alternanthera Reineckii Mini is an advanced but exceptionally rewarding plant for aquarists who have mastered CO₂ and high-light planted tank technique. The warm red foreground color it delivers is available from very few other plants.

Care & Specifications