Dwarf Alternanthera
Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'
Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' is a compact form usually not exceeding 15 cm. Its leaves are smaller and denser than the type species, with a bright red color under intense lighting. It forms a dense bush through abundant branching. Growth is moderate. It is widely used in aquascaping to create carpets or color patches. Stems are fragile and must be handled with care. It rarely flowers underwater.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22–28 |
| pH | 6–7 |
| GH | 3–12 |
| KH | 2–8 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 2 |
Care
Care notes
Strong lighting (0.8-1.2 W/L) is necessary to maintain red color. CO2 (15-30 mg/L) improves growth and compactness. Temperature 22-28°C, pH 6-7, GH 3-12, KH 2-8. Nitrates <20 mg/L, phosphates <2 mg/L. An iron-rich substrate is beneficial. Regular pruning to prevent legginess. Suitable for nano tanks (from 20 L). Compatible with shrimp and small fish. Avoid strong currents.