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Alternanthera Reineckii Mini
Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Caryophyllales›Amaranthaceae
Variety of Alternanthera Reineckii · mini
📍 South America (cultivar)
Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' is a compact cultivar of the classic red stem plant, producing smaller leaves and a more restrained growth habit that makes it more useful in nano tanks and detailed midground positions than the standard form. Its leaves display striking magenta-red to deep purple-red coloration on the undersides, creating vivid contrast against green plants. Iron supplementation and CO2 are key to maintaining intense colour.
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 2 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Alternanthera Reineckii Mini.
Compatible Livestock
Shrimp will not damage plant tissue and help control algae; they thrive in the same nutrient-rich, high-light environments
Excellent algae control without harming plants; compatible with high-tech planted tank setups
Small, peaceful fish that won't uproot or damage delicate stems; add visual contrast in planted layouts
Companion plant with similar care requirements; creates beautiful color contrast with red and green foliage
Complementary stem plant with similar high-light demands; works well in Dutch and Nature-style aquascapes
Peaceful algae eater that grazes on plant surfaces without damaging healthy tissue
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Magnesium)
Yellowing of new leaves while veins remain green; stunted growth; pale coloration instead of deep red
Increase fertilization frequency and ensure all-in-one fertilizer contains chelated iron and magnesium; verify CO2 levels are adequate (30-40 ppm)
Algae Overgrowth (Green Spot/Black Beard)
Green or black fuzzy coating on leaves and stems; reduced light penetration; plant appears smothered
Reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily; increase water changes; add algae-eating shrimp (Red Cherry, Amano); manually remove affected leaves; ensure CO2 and nutrient balance
Melting (Tissue Decay)
Leaves become translucent, mushy, and dissolve; stems turn soft and brown; rapid deterioration
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes; ensure stable temperature (22-28°C); increase CO2 and lighting gradually; remove severely affected stems and replant healthy cuttings
Slow Growth/Poor Coloration
Stunted development; pale or greenish leaves instead of vibrant red; weak stem structure
Verify high lighting (8-10 hours daily with 2+ watts per liter); increase CO2 injection to 30-40 ppm; boost macronutrient and micronutrient fertilization; ensure substrate is nutrient-rich
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Recommended
- light
- High (100–200 PAR for best coloration)
- placement
- Midground accent
- substrate
- Aquasoil with iron supplementation
- growth rate
- Slow to moderate
- propagation
- Stem cuttings
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.5–7.0
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2–12 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Stats
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