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Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)

Alternanthera reineckii mini T/C CUP

Alternanthera reineckii mini T/C CUP

$15.00
$15.00
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Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' is a popular and striking aquarium plant, prized for being one of the few true red plants suitable for the foreground. It's a compact, cultivated variety of the larger Alternanthera reineckii.

Here are the detailed characteristics and care guidelines for this plant.

 Plant Overview

  • Scientific Name: Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'

  • Common Name: Mini Parrot Leaf

  • Family: Amaranthaceae

  • Origin: This is a cultivated variety (cultivar), not a wild species. It was developed from the larger Alternanthera reineckii and gained popularity in Europe around 2007.

  • Type: Stem plant with a bushy growth habit.

 Key Features and Appearance

  • Size: Its compact size is its defining feature. It typically grows to a height of 5-10 cm, making it perfect for nano tanks or as a foreground plant in larger aquariums.

  • Color: Under optimal conditions, it develops intense red to burgundy or red-violet tones on the upper side of the leaves, with the lower side often remaining pink or green.

  • Leaves: It has very narrow leaves, less than 0.5 cm wide and up to 2 cm long. They grow densely on the stem, giving the plant a lush, thick appearance.

  • Growth Rate: It has a slow to medium growth rate, which helps it maintain its compact form without needing constant pruning.

 Aquarium Care and Conditions

This plant is considered to be of medium difficulty. While it is forgiving, providing the right conditions is key to unlocking its vibrant color and compact shape.



Parameter Ideal Conditions
Lighting High to medium. High light is essential for intense red coloration and compact, bushy growth. Under lower light, the plant may become "leggy" (grow taller with more space between leaves) and turn greener.
CO₂ 20-30 mg/l is recommended. CO₂ injection is highly beneficial for promoting healthy growth and vibrant color. In low-tech setups without CO₂, it will survive but grow much more slowly and may not reach its full potential.
Temperature 22-28°C. It can tolerate a wider range from 15-30°C, but the ideal range is best for growth.
pH 5-8. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral water (5-7).
Water Hardness Soft to hard water is acceptable.
Substrate A nutrient-rich substrate is highly recommended, as the plant benefits from nutrients via its roots. It should be at least 10 cm deep for optimal root growth.
Nutrients Requires a balanced supply of macro and micro-nutrients. Iron supplementation is particularly important for maintaining the deep red coloration.

 Aquascaping and Placement

  • Placement: Foreground to midground.

  • Usage: Its vibrant red color provides a striking contrast against green carpeting plants like Hemianthus callitrichoides (Monte Carlo) or Eleocharis (Dwarf Hairgrass). It can be planted in small groups, spaced a few centimeters apart, to create a dense "mini shrub" or even a low, red-violet carpet effect with regular trimming.

 Propagation

Propagation is straightforward and typical for stem plants:

  • Method: Simply take head or side shoot cuttings. Cut the top portion of a healthy stem and replant it into the substrate.

  • Result: The cutting will quickly develop roots and grow into a new plant. The original stem will also produce new side shoots, becoming bushier than before

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