AquaZen Alternanthera Reinickii 'Mini'

AquaZen ALTERNANTHERA REINECKII 'MINI' – Compact Red with Big Aquascaping Impact   The AquaZen ALTERNANTHERA REINECKII 'MINI' adds deep red contrast to planted tanks without taking over the layout. It stays low, grows thick, and works well in the foreground or tucked between hardscape. If your aquascape feels a little flat, this plant sharpens the look instantly. What Makes AquaZen ALTERNANTHERA REINECKII 'MINI' Stand Out? Red plants usually need space — not this one. It hugs the substrate, colors up fast under decent lighting, and doesn’t crowd the view. Think of it as a red accent where carpeting plants fall short. Height: 2–4 inches with trimming Color: Bright red and deep burgundy Ideal Location: Foreground or low midground Growth Pattern: Dense, upright, easily shaped with regular cuts Pair it with other selections like rotala, anubias, or microsword for layered layouts. You can find those in our AquaZen brand section. Care Details: Get the Look Without the Struggle You don’t need to be a competition aquascaper to make this plant thrive. But it does like a little support — good light, clean water, and some root nutrition go a long way. Lighting: Medium to high CO₂: Not required, but helps color and fullness Substrate: Soil or enriched gravel, root tabs help Trim Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks to maintain shape Need ferts, tweezers, or lighting help? Our Maintenance & Accessories section has what you’ll need. Where It Belongs in Your Layout This isn’t a background plant. It works best where the eye lands first — low and visible. Try grouping it in odd numbers for a more natural feel. Some aquascapers use it to frame hardscape; others layer it in front of taller stems for color balance. You’ll find it’s especially effective when placed in clusters near rocks, roots, or along substrate edges. Looking for tools or layout inspiration? Browse Aquascaping Supplies, or explore related plants under Aquatic Plants. AquaZen ALTERNANTHERA REINECKII 'MINI' at a Glance Grows low and dense — great for small tanks Brings strong color contrast without overwhelming the layout Easy to shape and maintain with simple trims Works well in planted and CO₂-injected systems This plant checks all the boxes for aquascapers who want a clean, balanced foreground that still pops. FAQ – AquaZen ALTERNANTHERA REINECKII 'MINI' How big does this plant get? Typically under 4 inches when trimmed. It stays compact and bushy with the right care. Is CO₂ required? Not strictly, but you'll see deeper color and tighter growth with it. Low tech setups may still succeed under strong light. Can I use this in a nano tank? Absolutely. It’s actually one of the most popular red plants for nano aquariums because of its size and structure. How often do I need to trim it? Usually every 2–3 weeks. Left untrimmed, it will grow taller and lose its compact shape. Does it ship as submerged or emersed growth? Most commonly shipped emersed. Once in your tank, it transitions quickly to submerged form. Behind the Tanks With Fish & Coral Store Follow real-time tank changes on Instagram Get fast tips and coral spotlights on TikTok See what’s coming next on Facebook Ask questions and share progress on Reef2Reef