Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' care guide
Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' · Amaranthaceae
Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' (Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini') is an aquatic plant. It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It is native to The species is South American (Bolivia to Brazil and northern Argentina, incl. Paraguay & Uruguay); 'Mini' is a trade cultivar that appeared in Europe around 2007, origin unclear. It needs medium to high light. Water temperature: 22°C – 28°C. pH: 5.0 – 7.0. Care difficulty: Moderate. Growth rate: slow to moderate.
How do you care for Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'?
| Light | Medium to High (Tropica rates it medium, about 0.5 W/L; strong light gives the deepest red-violet and compact growth) |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Recommended (for the richest colour) |
| Temperature | 22°C – 28°C |
| pH | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Placement | Fore- to midground red accent; suits nano tanks |
| Growth | Slow to Moderate |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
How do you trim and propagate Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'?
Cut stem tops or side shoots with curved scissors at the height you want and replant them to keep a low, compact bush; regular trimming builds a dense red-violet cushion. It can also be split.
What problems affect Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'?
Leggy stems turning greener or browner in weak light; stunted growth and poor colour from a nutrient or CO₂ shortage.
How do you fix Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' problems?
Raise the light; dose liquid fertiliser and add CO₂.
Where does Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' come from?
The species is South American (Bolivia to Brazil and northern Argentina, incl. Paraguay & Uruguay); 'Mini' is a trade cultivar that appeared in Europe around 2007, origin unclear · Biotope regions: South America.
What should you know before buying Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'?
Naturalised in Taiwan; the USDA APHIS weed risk assessment (2016) returned "Evaluate Further", and New Zealand rates it a low-risk aquarium plant. Do not release into waterways.
Sources
- Alternanthera reineckii Briq. — Kew – Plants of the World Online
- Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' – plant details — Tropica
- Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' — Flowgrow aquatic plant database
- Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' — Buce Plant
- Weed Risk Assessment for Alternanthera reineckii — USDA APHIS PPQ (2016)
- Alternanthera reineckii — Wikipedia
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides