Alternanthera reineckii mini is a small red stem plant, used as an accent in the foreground or midground. It is rated medium difficulty.
Did you know
Alternanthera reineckii mini is one of the few red plants you can use as a foreground splash of color. That role normally goes to green carpeting plants.
Caring for Alternanthera reineckii mini
Strip the lower leaves and plant individual stems close together as a cluster. It is fussier to establish than the full-size plant, so be patient after planting.
Alternanthera reineckii mini wants medium light, and medium to high light with iron-rich dosing brings out its full red color. It grows without CO2, but CO2 markedly improves its density and color. It feeds through roots and leaves, so pair root tabs with a liquid fertilizer. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).
Once settled it grows at a moderate pace. Trim and replant the tops to thicken the patch and keep the base from thinning. Side shoots can be cut off and planted on their own.
Good to know
Alternanthera reineckii mini is a trade cultivar of the amaranth-family species Alternanthera reineckii, selected for dwarf stature and tighter internodes. Unlike the tall parent, it stays roughly 5 to 10 cm and forms a low, compact bush rather than a leggy stem. It keeps the species' green-to-red coloration on much shorter, denser stems. Its color chemistry, anthocyanins on the leaf undersides, matches the standard form. Shops also sell it as AR Mini or dwarf scarlet temple.
In the wild
Alternanthera reineckii mini does not occur in nature, since it is a low-growing form selected for the hobby. Its parent species ranges across southern Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina, Bolivia and Uruguay, in marshes and flooded margins.
Common questions
Is Alternanthera reineckii mini a different species from Alternanthera reineckii?
No. Alternanthera reineckii mini is a form of Alternanthera reineckii. It reaches about 3.9 in (10 cm), against 19.7 in (50 cm) for the species. It also differs in placement and spread.
Does Alternanthera reineckii mini need to be planted in the substrate?
Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.
Does Alternanthera reineckii mini need CO2?
No, but it helps. Alternanthera reineckii mini can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.
How much light does Alternanthera reineckii mini need?
Alternanthera reineckii mini wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.
Does Alternanthera reineckii mini need root tabs?
They help. Alternanthera reineckii mini takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.
How do you propagate Alternanthera reineckii mini?
Alternanthera reineckii mini propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.
How tall does Alternanthera reineckii mini grow?
Alternanthera reineckii mini grows to about 3.9 in (10 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.
High lightForeground3.9 in (10 cm)
High lightForeground3.9 in (10 cm)
Medium lightForeground5.9 in (15 cm)
Medium lightMidground5.9 in (15 cm)
Medium lightMidground5.9 in (15 cm)
Medium lightMidground5.9 in (15 cm)