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Rotala Butterfly
Rotala sp. 'Butterfly'
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Myrtales›Lythraceae
📍 Southeast Asia
Unique rotala with broad, rounded leaves that alternate in a pinwheel pattern. Turns pink to red under high light. A collector's plant.
Tank Mates
Shrimp will not damage delicate leaves and help control algae without harming the plant
Excellent algae control and gentle on plant tissue
Small, peaceful fish that graze algae without uprooting or damaging stem plants
Small, non-aggressive community fish that won't disturb the plant or uproot it
Excellent companion plant with similar care requirements and complementary growth pattern
Low-light plant that pairs well in midground layouts without competing for nutrients
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, loss of red pigmentation
Increase fertilizer dosing with all-in-one formulas; test water parameters and adjust macronutrient and micronutrient levels accordingly
Algae Overgrowth
Green or brown algae coating leaves, reduced light penetration, plant appears smothered
Reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily, increase water changes, add algae-eating shrimp or fish, manually remove affected leaves
Melting
Leaves become translucent, mushy, and dissolve; stem tissue softens
Improve water quality with frequent partial changes; ensure adequate CO2 and lighting; remove affected portions and replant healthy stems
Poor Coloration
Leaves remain green instead of developing pink-red hues despite adequate light
Verify lighting intensity (minimum 2+ watts per liter); increase iron and trace element supplementation; ensure stable water parameters
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Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- required
- lighting
- high
- placement
- midground
- difficulty
- hard
- growthRate
- slow