AquaDepot Alternanthera reineckii Mini - Live Plant - Tissue Culture

Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' Tissue Culture is a compact, dwarf variety of the popular Alternanthera, prized for its vibrant red to deep burgundy foliage and naturally bushy growth habit. Unlike the standard form, 'Mini' remains much shorter, making it an excellent choice for the foreground or midground of planted aquariums. Its small, densely packed leaves create a striking splash of colour and contrast beautifully with green carpeting plants and other aquatic species. Under high lighting, with adequate CO₂ and nutrients, the plant develops its most intense red colouration while maintaining its compact form.

Care Requirements:

Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' is best suited to intermediate and experienced aquascapers, as it performs best under moderate to high lighting with the addition of CO₂. Plant individual stems into a nutrient-rich substrate, spacing them slightly apart to allow for healthy growth and branching. Regular fertilisation, particularly with iron and trace elements, will promote vibrant colour and compact development. Frequent trimming encourages the plant to spread laterally and maintain its dense, low-growing appearance. Stable water parameters and consistent maintenance will help this attractive dwarf variety thrive.

Potential Issues and Tips:

Melting: Newly introduced tissue culture plants may experience some leaf loss as they adapt to submerged aquarium conditions. Stable water parameters and consistent care will help the plant establish quickly.

Algae: Imbalances in lighting, nutrients, or CO₂ can encourage algae growth on the leaves. Maintaining a balanced fertilisation schedule and regular water changes will help prevent algae issues.

Colour Loss: Insufficient lighting or low iron levels can result in the foliage becoming greener and less vibrant. High lighting and regular micronutrient dosing will encourage rich red colouration.

Leggy Growth: If light levels are too low, stems may elongate and lose their compact appearance. Regular trimming and adequate lighting will help maintain the characteristic dense growth habit.

Tissue cultures are in a 5cm container - simply rinse gel and plant.

In ideal conditions, shelf life will be approx 4 weeks.

Basic care instructions:

• Do not remove lid or contamination will occur.
• Keep in a well-lit area.
• Storage temperature should not exceed 30°C.

Each pot is 50mm in diameter and packed full of healthy plants.