Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' – A compact, intense splash of red
Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' is a little color bomb for the foreground of your aquarium. With its vibrant purple leaves and ultra-compact size, it's ideal for creating contrast in even the smallest planted tanks. Its moderate growth makes it easy to control, and with regular pruning, you'll achieve a dense, colorful carpet barely 5 cm high. It loves light, and a CO2 system can do it good, but it remains relatively easy to maintain. Perfect for aquascaping as well as for nano-aquariums, it adds a real aesthetic plus to any type of decor.
Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' is a dwarf version grown in vitro, ensuring a healthy plant free from algae and pests . This perennial plant, with dark red to purple leaves, was selected for its ability to provide a nice density in small spaces. Unlike its larger sister, it remains at a modest height of 5 to 10 cm , making it ideal for small aquariums or for foreground displays in larger tanks.
Highly prized in aquascaping, it helps break up the monotony of greenery by providing a real visual contrast. Its short, dense foliage gives it a very graphic appearance when pruned regularly. It grows rather slowly, which limits intensive maintenance, but still requires a well-designed environment: medium to strong light, and good nutrition via suitable nutrients .
Growing conditions and tips for beautiful growth
Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' thrives in a well-lit aquarium with a temperature between 20 and 28°C, a pH of 6 to 7.5, and a moderate GH. For its most beautiful colors, intense lighting is recommended. Although it can survive without CO2, it will truly thrive with moderate CO2 diffusion.
It thrives in rich, well-drained soil. Rock or engineered soil will be a good ally to support its growth. To encourage rooting, it can be combined with an aquarium root or decorative elements that will maintain humidity at its base. Be careful when watering: like many plants grown from emerged culture, it can be a little sluggish when submerged. You will need to give it time to adapt.
As for maintenance, it's not rocket science. Regular pruning is necessary to prevent it from reaching the surface and losing its compact shape. It can also be easily replanted from cuttings. To maximize its potential, also remember to keep the filter well-cleaned to keep the water clean and clear, essential for photosynthesis.
Finally, this plant being a cultivar , it does not exist in nature in this form. It is a true horticultural creation, selected for its beauty and compactness. It was introduced in Europe in the 1960s, and since then, it has conquered aquarists around the world thanks to its unique aesthetic and ease of maintenance.
Planting tips and daily maintenance
Before planting your Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini', carefully remove it from its pot, remove all the rock wool, and trim any overly long roots. Feel free to divide the plant into small clumps for a more harmonious and denser planting. It can be planted alone or in groups, depending on the desired effect.
In an aquarium, it pairs very well with green plants with fine foliage or natural elements such as light aquarium sand or a contrasting nutrient substrate . Keep in mind that to maintain its pretty red hues, it needs a little more attention than a classic green plant. But the rewards are well worth it.
How to plant the Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' plant in video?
Blyxa japonica – Aquatic herb with elegant, dancing foliage
Blyxa japonica from Tropica is a unique aquarium plant. With its leaves shaped like soft strands that undulate in the current, it immediately gives a natural and lively look to the decor. Its dense habit and its olive green color that can turn red under strong light make it an ideal choice for the middle or background of the tank. Cultivated in vitro, it arrives without algae, snails, or pesticides , and integrates easily into aquascapes of all sizes, even nano. Moderately demanding, it appreciates intense lighting , a good substrate, and a CO2 system if possible. A plant that is both graphic and functional, perfect for adding movement and texture.
Dense and supple foliage which elegantly enlivens the decor
Ideal for the midground or background of a planted aquarium
Compatible with nano aquariums, medium-demanding and decorative
Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' – The most intense red glow
Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular plants for adding color to an aquarium. A native of Asia, this variety boasts a deep, vibrant red color that creates a striking contrast alongside light green plants. Easy to maintain, it thrives even in moderate light and nutrient conditions, although strong lighting and an optimized CO2 system are recommended to reveal its full potential. It grows tall, with gently arching stems that form a dense, bushy structure. Easily trimmed, it can be used to create colorful, dynamic, and modern displays in any type of tank.
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' – The slender, easy-to-fix fern
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' , also known as the narrow-leaved Java fern, is an ideal aquarium plant for beginners and aquascaping enthusiasts alike . It grows naturally attached to an aquarium root or rock , without the need for substrate, making it very easy to install. Its thin, elongated leaves offer a fluid and elegant movement in the water . It is not demanding: moderate light, no need for CO2, and a good ability to adapt to different parameters. In addition to being decorative, it also offers perfect hiding places for fish and shrimp . It is a plant that grows slowly but surely.
Thin, slender leaves for an elegant, natural touch
Easily attaches to roots or stones without substrate
Easy-Life ProFito is a universal and very complete fertiliser , suitable for all aquatic plants in the aquarium . The composition of ProFito makes it possible to create and maintain strong, healthy and lush vegetation .
ProAquaTest EASY 7in1 is a set of test strips for 7 important water parameters in 1 minute: quick orientation test for aquarium, pond, well, spring and pipe water. Determination of the following water parameters: chlorine , acidity ( pH ), total hardness ( GH ), toxic nitrogen compounds ( NO2 ), cause of algae ( NO3 ), pH stability ( KH ) and main plant nutrient (t CO2 level on table ). 50 strips per box.
Soil of fine, uncoloured sand: substrate for freshwater or saltwater aquariums and aquaterrariums. Vigorous plant growth: the fine grain size and density prevent the infiltration of humus and other waste.
Utricularia graminifolia – Aesthetic and carnivorous plant carpet
Utricularia graminifolia from Tropica is a bit of a UFO among aquarium plants. With its miniature grass look and surprising carnivorous properties, this in vitro plant is a sensation in the foreground. It forms a pretty, dense, light green carpet , all in finesse, which dresses the aquarium floor with a stunning naturalness. In addition to its ultra decorative appearance, it feeds on microorganisms thanks to its small invisible skins , a real plus in well-balanced tanks. It loves light, thrives in soft water and prefers a dry planting to root well. With a good CO2 system and a little patience, it becomes the number one visual asset of your aquascape.
Forms a dense, natural green carpet in the foreground
Discreet and original carnivorous plant in the aquarium
In vitro, clean, algae and parasite free for easy integration
Rotala wallichii – Bright red stems and airy foliage
Tropica 's Rotala wallichii is an exceptional stem plant for enthusiasts who love challenges... and rewards. With its finely cut foliage and spectacular pinkish-red color in good lighting, it transforms an aquarium background into a living tableau. It grows up to 30 cm tall and offers a magnificent contrast with surrounding green plants. Very decorative when planted in groups, it requires strong lighting and a well-established CO2 system . Soft, slightly acidic water and good nutrients are also essential to reveal its full potential. A true star for well-maintained tanks.
Fine, colorful foliage, perfect for the aquarium background
Brings spectacular red and pink hues
Ideal for aquascaping tanks and experienced enthusiasts
Blyxa japonica – Aquatic herb with elegant, dancing foliage
Blyxa japonica from Tropica is a unique aquarium plant. With its leaves shaped like soft strands that undulate in the current, it immediately gives a natural and lively look to the decor. Its dense habit and its olive green color that can turn red under strong light make it an ideal choice for the middle or background of the tank. Cultivated in vitro, it arrives without algae, snails, or pesticides , and integrates easily into aquascapes of all sizes, even nano. Moderately demanding, it appreciates intense lighting , a good substrate, and a CO2 system if possible. A plant that is both graphic and functional, perfect for adding movement and texture.
Dense and supple foliage which elegantly enlivens the decor
Ideal for the midground or background of a planted aquarium
Compatible with nano aquariums, medium-demanding and decorative
Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' – The most intense red glow
Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular plants for adding color to an aquarium. A native of Asia, this variety boasts a deep, vibrant red color that creates a striking contrast alongside light green plants. Easy to maintain, it thrives even in moderate light and nutrient conditions, although strong lighting and an optimized CO2 system are recommended to reveal its full potential. It grows tall, with gently arching stems that form a dense, bushy structure. Easily trimmed, it can be used to create colorful, dynamic, and modern displays in any type of tank.
Intense red color for a spectacular contrast
Easy to grow, even for beginner aquascapers
Adds height and volume to your decor
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TROPICA - Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' - In vitro
