Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf' Care Guide

Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf' is a fine-leaved red stem plant of the Lythraceae family that needs strong light and CO2 to develop intense colour.

Overview

Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf' is a fine-leaved form of the red stem plant Rotala macrandra, family Lythraceae. The base species originates from Asia. Like the type, it is a demanding plant that develops red coloration under strong light and CO2.

Taxonomy

Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Rotala
Scientific name: Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf'
Type: narrow-leaved form of R. macrandra

Habitat

Rotala macrandra originates from Asia. In cultivation it is a submersed stem plant whose red colour depends on light intensity and nutrient supply. The 'Narrow Leaf' form is maintained in aquaria as a finer-leaved selection.

Tank requirements

Temperature: 22-28 °C (optimum 24-28 °C)
pH: 5.5-7.0
GH: 1-8 °dGH
Lighting: high (strong)
CO2: required
Maximum height: about 30 cm
Placement: midground

Care and growth

Rotala macrandra requires rather strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, soft to medium-hard water and a balanced supply of macro- and micronutrients. Better light spectrum and higher PAR give better coloration in red forms. The plant does not require very high CO2 but does not tolerate CO2 fluctuations well, which can cause tip stunting.

Placement and propagation

It is suited to the midground as a colourful red accent. Stems are best spaced individually within a group to keep light reaching lower leaves. Propagation is by cuttings replanted into the substrate.