Rotala macrandra

Giant Red Rotala

Rotala macrandra

Giant Red Rotala

(47 ratings)

Colourful stem plant
Wavy, delicate leaves
Strong contrast against green plants

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Middle ground

Background

Accent (color)

Street (Dutch style)

Aquarium Plant Characteristics

Difficulty Difficult

Growth Fast

Light Medium

Maximum water hardness for this aquarium plant in the aquarium

Water hardness max. Medium

Recommended care height 15-60 cm

CO2 Yes

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Description

Rotala macrandra is a magnificent stem plant that is native to flowing waters in southern India. This is a variable species, with different forms. The "regular form" with large, broad leaves is already long known in the aquarium hobby. It is also called Giant Red Rotala and is apparently identical to a plant that is labeled as R. macrandra "Japan". It develops wavy, delicate, elongate-ovate, about 2 to 4 cm long underwater leaves on upright stems. Under good growth conditions, the leaves are deeply light to brown red, with olive green tones under less light. The emersed plant has smaller, round, glossy green leaves similar to Rotala rotundifolia, and spike-like inflorescences with small whiteish flowers.

beschreibungsfoto

Submersed leaf form of Rotala macrandra

While Rotala macrandra is said to be a demanding, difficult plant, it grows fast and lush when its basic requirements are met. Rather strong lighting, soft to medium hard water, CO₂ addition and balanced macro- and micronutrient supply are essential. This tropical plant likes warmth, with optimum temperatures of 24 to 28 °C. Also water movement is beneficial.
The stems are best planted in a group with some space to each other. Very dense stand may lead to shedding of the lower leaves due to lack of light. As well as other stem plants, this Rotala is propagated by cuttings of stem tips and side shoots.

beschreibungsfoto

With its strong red tones, the "normal form" of Rotala macrandra offers an especially effective accent as a rather small group in the aquarium midground. It contrasts well with green plants. The Giant Red Rotala is also suitable for "plant streets" in Dutch style planted tanks.

Rotala macrandra comes from southern India, where it grows in permanent watercourses, in rice fields and on sunny, periodically flooded riverbanks.¹ The species name (“large-stamened”) refers to the long stamens.¹ When emersed, the leaves resemble those of Rotala rotundifolia; the upright submersed shoots, by contrast, bear delicate, sessile leaves approx. 2–4 cm long, whose colour ranges from olive green to deep brownish red depending on the light.¹²

This demanding species needs, besides intense light and CO₂ supply, good water movement, soft to moderately hard, acidic water and a low-lime substrate; sufficient iron and a balanced nutrient supply are also important, and it is considered sensitive to cold shocks. (read more)

Common names	Giant Red Rotala
Complete botanical name	Rotála macrándra Koehne
Family	Lythraceae
Genus	Rotala
Difficulty	difficult
Usage	Accent (red), Background, Midground, Street (Dutch style)
Aquascaping	very colourful plant for accents
Growth	fast
pH value	4 - 7
Temperature tolerance	18 - 30°C
Carbonate hardness	0 - 12°dKH
General hardness	0 - 30°dGH
Propagation	Cuttings
Can grow emersed?	yes
Source	Flowgrow