Alternanthera Reineckii Mini care guide
Alternanthera Reineckii Mini (Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini') — high light, 20-28 °C, pH 5.5-7, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Alternanthera Reineckii Mini (Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini') is an aquatic plant of the family Amaranthaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under high light with pressurised CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A compact dwarf cultivar of the popular Alternanthera reineckii. Grows much shorter and denser than the standard form, producing intensely red to purple leaves. Requires high light and CO2 injection to maintain its vibrant coloration. Ideal for foreground to midground placement in high-tech aquascapes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Genus: Alternanthera
- Scientific name: Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'
- Common synonyms: AR Mini, Dwarf Alternanthera
Habitat
Alternanthera reineckii (Amaranthaceae) is a marsh plant of South America that grows along seasonally flooded margins of slow rivers. Under bright submersed light leaves take on deep red and pink colours. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from South America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 10 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Recommended placement: foreground
Placement
Midground stem; small forms make compact accent groups, while larger varieties extend into the background under intense light. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the foreground under high light with pressurised CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Propagated by cuttings; the upper tip is replanted in the substrate and roots within a few days. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
Shading and weak light cause new leaves to revert to green and lower leaves to fall; restoring intense light and abundant micro-nutrients brings the red colour back.