Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini'

Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' is a short-growing form of the well-known red alternanthera. Its internodes are very short and its leaves small; the plant stays 10–15 cm tall and branches densely into a low, red bush. This makes it one of the easiest ways to bring red color into the foreground and midground of the aquarium. In strong light the tops of the leaves are pinkish red and the undersides deep red; in weak light the color turns brownish.

• Stems are planted singly or in twos or threes, 2–3 cm apart and 2–3 cm deep.
• It is used in the foreground and midground as a color focal point, at the base of stones or among green carpeting plants.

• Light: High.
• CO₂: Not required, but beneficial for color and dense growth.
• Fertilizer: Iron and potassium should be dosed regularly; when lacking, holes and fading appear in the leaves.
• Trimming: It grows slowly; its bushy shape is kept by clipping it with scissors now and then.