Alternanthera Reineckii Mini

Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›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.

Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp

Shrimp will not damage plant tissue and help control algae; they thrive in the same nutrient-rich, high-light environments

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Excellent algae control without harming plants; compatible with high-tech planted tank setups

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that won't uproot or damage delicate stems; add visual contrast in planted layouts

good

Rotala Rotundifolia

Companion plant with similar care requirements; creates beautiful color contrast with red and green foliage

excellent

Ludwigia Peruensis

Complementary stem plant with similar high-light demands; works well in Dutch and Nature-style aquascapes

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater that grazes on plant surfaces without damaging healthy tissue

good

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Magnesium)

Symptoms

Yellowing of new leaves while veins remain green; stunted growth; pale coloration instead of deep red

Treatment

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)

Symptoms

Green or black fuzzy coating on leaves and stems; reduced light penetration; plant appears smothered

Treatment

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)

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, and dissolve; stems turn soft and brown; rapid deterioration

Treatment

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

Symptoms

Stunted development; pale or greenish leaves instead of vibrant red; weak stem structure

Treatment

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