Description:

“Alternanthera Reineckii ‘Dwarf’ tissue culture” refers to a compact variety of Alternanthera reineckii that is grown in a lab using tissue culture methods. This ensures the plant is free from pests, algae, and diseases. It’s a popular choice for planted aquariums, especially for adding vibrant red or pink hues to the foreground or midground.

Here’s a care guide for Alternanthera Reineckii ‘Dwarf’ tissue culture in your aquarium in Caboolture, Queensland:

Appearance:

• Alternanthera Reineckii ‘Dwarf’ is characterized by its small size and intense red to pink leaves. The exact shade can vary depending on the aquarium conditions.
• It has a bushy, compact growth habit, making it ideal for creating dense clusters or carpets.

Care Requirements:

• Lighting: This plant requires moderate to high lighting (generally 0.5 to 1 watt per liter or PAR exceeding 40). Sufficient light is crucial for maintaining its vibrant red coloration. Insufficient light can lead to the plant turning green or a dull red.
• CO2: While it can survive without supplemental CO2, its growth rate and color intensity will be significantly improved with CO2 injection (20-30 ppm is optimal).
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 22-28C (72-82F) – Thrives in tropical temperatures common in planted tanks.
  • pH: 5.5-7.0 – Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (6-12 dGH) is generally suitable.
• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is highly recommended. This allows the plant to absorb essential nutrients through its roots, contributing to healthy growth and vibrant colors. Consider using aquarium soil or adding root tabs.
• Fertilizers: Regular dosing of a balanced liquid fertilizer, including macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium – NPK) and micronutrients (including Iron – Fe), is essential for optimal growth and coloration. Iron deficiency can lead to pale or yellowing leaves.
• Placement: Typically used in the foreground or midground of the aquarium due to its compact size. It can be planted in groups to create a colorful carpet or as accent plants.
• Growth Rate: The growth rate is generally considered moderate. Regular trimming will encourage bushier, more compact growth and allow you to propagate new plants.
• Propagation: Easily propagated by taking stem cuttings and replanting them in the substrate. Lateral shoots will also develop and can be separated and replanted.

Potential Issues and Tips:

• Melting: Newly introduced tissue culture plants can sometimes experience some melting (loss of leaves) as they adapt to the new environment. Providing stable water parameters and good lighting can minimize this.
• Algae: Imbalances in light, nutrients, or CO2 can lead to algae growth on the leaves. Maintaining proper balance and performing regular water changes can help prevent this.
• Colour Loss: Insufficient lighting or nutrient deficiencies (especially iron) can cause the vibrant red colour to fade.
• Trimming: Regular trimming is crucial for maintaining the desired shape and preventing the plant from overshadowing lower-growing species. Trim the tops and replant them to create a denser bush.

Ease of Care

• Easy

Position

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

Micropropagation Australia Tissue Culture Plants have been grown in sterile laboratory conditions producing premium quality plants free from algae, pesticides and pests.

Sold in food grade plastic pots, our Tissue Culture Plants are grown in a unique nutrient rich agar jelly. Easy to sell, the plants do not require watering and will continue to grow provided they are sealed and have sufficient light.

Micropropagation Australia Tissue Culture Plants will grow in fresh water aquariums, aquascapes and terrariums. Because of the wonderful qualities of these plants, they have grown, and continue to grow in popularity with Australian hobbyists.

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

Basic care instructions:

• Do not remove lid or contamination will occur
• Keep in well lit area
• Storage temperate should not exceed 30C

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