Rotala Macrandra Pink

Description

Rotala Macrandra is an excellent indicator plant in the aquarium due to its sensitivity to poor conditions and normally fast growth. Lighting should be strong (at least 2 watts per gallon with power compact bulbs for an aquarium of 40-60 U.S. gallons). When lighting is poor, the lower stems of this plant often deteriorate. CO2, although not completely necessary, is highly recommended for this plant for it to reach its full potential. NO3 and PO4 levels play a major role in the appearance of this plant. High NO3 levels (10 ppm or more) coupled with low PO4 levels (less than 0.5 ppm) lead to laggy growth and large, light orange leaves. If nitrate is pushed too high (20 ppm or more), the plant may actually stunt. Low NO3 levels (10 ppm or less) coupled with high PO4 levels (1.5 to 2 ppm) lead to very compact, lush, bright red growth. Heavy iron and micronutrient dosing is required. If the plant is looking pale red or showing white markings, then the plant is not getting enough iron.

R. macrandra should be pruned by removing the rooted portions and planting the tops. Individual stems should be spaced far enough so that light can reach the lower leaves. As it grows in, the bunch will fill in the spaces with a profusion of side shoots. To propagate, simply snip off one of the side shoots and replant it into the substrate. Allowing the plant to grow up to and spread along the surface encourages each stem to produce a side shoot at each internode.

Difficulty: Hard
Lighting Requirement: High
Growth Rate: Medium
Tank Placement: Midground – Background

Note:

The displayed image is for illustration purposes only and is of submersed grown plants in aquariums under optimum plant growing conditions.

Depending on the variety, plants sent are grown in the aquarium in emersed or submersed conditions. Hence, plant/leaf structures may vary from those shown in pictures. When they are grown in an aquarium under optimum growing conditions as required by the plant (light, co2, and nutrients), they will get the appearance as shown in pictures.

All aquatic plants are priced on the basis of the individual stems.