Plant comparison
Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' vs Bucephalandra (mixed)
How the Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' and Bucephalandra (mixed) compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' vs Bucephalandra (mixed)
The Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' and the Bucephalandra (mixed) come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Bucephalandra (mixed) is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' rewards a bit more attention. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Bucephalandra (mixed) is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini'22–28 °C
- Bucephalandra (mixed)22–28 °C
pH
- Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini'5.5–7.5
- Bucephalandra (mixed)6–7.5
Hardness
- Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini'2–12 dGH
- Bucephalandra (mixed)2–10 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantAlternanthera Reineckii 'Mini'Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini' |  PlantBucephalandra (mixed)Bucephalandra sp. |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Selectively bred cultivar (South American parentage) | Borneo (rheophytic) |
| Family | Amaranthaceae | Araceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–12 | 2–10 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| Max height | 5–15 cm | 5–20 cm |
| Difficulty | 3 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | High | Low to Medium |
| CO₂ | Recommended | Optional |
| Growth rate | Medium | Slow |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' and Bucephalandra (mixed) together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' or the Bucephalandra (mixed)?
The Bucephalandra (mixed) is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' leans middle-of-the-road.
Do Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' and Bucephalandra (mixed) need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' and the Bucephalandra (mixed)?
Placement and light. The Alternanthera Reineckii 'Mini' works as midground, the Bucephalandra (mixed) as foreground or midground, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.