Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' (Mini parrot leaf)

28 October 2026

105

Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' is a compact cultivated form of the South American stem plant Alternanthera reineckii. It develops short, densely packed shoots with red, burgundy, and pink leaves when grown submerged. The supplied identification is consistent with this cultivar, although cultivar names are commercial rather than formal botanical ranks. It is well suited to the foreground or lower middle of a planted aquarium.

Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' (Mini parrot leaf)

Identification

The plant is identified conservatively as Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini', a compact aquarium cultivar of Alternanthera reineckii. It forms upright to spreading stems with opposite, lance-shaped leaves. Submerged foliage commonly ranges from reddish brown to red and pink. Color and compactness vary with light, carbon availability, nutrients, trimming, and growing conditions.

Planting

Remove the growing medium and separate the plant into small portions before planting. Insert individual stems or small groups into the substrate, leaving the lower leaves clear of the substrate. Space portions so water can circulate and new side shoots have room to develop. Avoid burying the entire stem, which can encourage deterioration.

Light and carbon

Provide medium to high light, with high light generally helping maintain compact growth and stronger red coloration. A stable carbon supply, particularly injected carbon dioxide, improves growth and recovery after trimming. Carbon limitation can produce slower, less compact growth and weaker coloration. Avoid abrupt changes in lighting or carbon availability.

Nutrients and maintenance

Use a complete aquarium fertilisation routine and maintain steady access to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements. Trim tall or damaged stems with clean scissors and replant healthy cuttings to thicken the group. Regular trimming helps keep this cultivar low, compact, and suitable for the foreground. Remove shaded or deteriorating lower leaves.

Aquarium placement

Plant it as a small foreground group or use it at the front of a lower middle-ground composition. Its red foliage contrasts well with green carpeting plants and fine-leaved stems. It should not be placed where taller plants permanently shade it, because reduced light can lead to taller, sparser growth and less intense coloration.

Plant info

Colors: Red, Dark green, Pink
Difficulty: Medium
Origin: Cultivar
Usage: Foreground
Type: Stem plant
Growth rate: Medium
Height: 5-15 cm
Light demand: High
CO2: Medium

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