Rotala Macrandra

Rotala macrandra

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Lythraceae

📍 South Asia

Rotala Macrandra is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful red plants in the hobby, with broad, crinkled leaves that turn vibrant crimson under optimal conditions. It is also one of the most demanding stem plants, requiring very high light, injected CO2, intensive macro and micro nutrient dosing, and soft acidic water — any deficiency quickly manifests as yellowing or failure to colour up. Rewarding for experienced planted tank keepers.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae grazer that won't damage delicate foliage and helps maintain tank cleanliness

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Gentle invertebrate that grazes algae without harming plant tissue; thrives in soft, acidic water matching Rotala requirements

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or damage plants and prefers similar soft water conditions

good

Dwarf Hairgrass

Companion foreground plant with similar nutrient and light demands; creates attractive contrast in layout

excellent

Cryptocoryne Wendtii

Hardy midground plant that tolerates the same high-nutrient, acidic conditions and complements red coloration

good

German Blue Ram

Peaceful cichlid but may occasionally uproot plants while foraging; requires similar warm water but less acidic pH

caution

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)

Symptoms

Yellowing of new leaves while veins remain green (chlorosis), stunted growth, failure to develop red coloration, leaf curling or necrosis

Treatment

Increase fertiliser dosing; verify CO2 injection is adequate (30-40 ppm); test water parameters and adjust pH if above 7.0; perform 25-30% water change and resume comprehensive fertilisation schedule

Algae Overgrowth (Green/Brown Algae)

Symptoms

Visible algae coating on leaves and stems, reduced light penetration, plant growth slowing, water cloudiness

Treatment

Reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily; increase water changes (30-50% weekly); add algae-eating fish like Otocinclus; manually remove algae; ensure CO2 and nutrient balance are optimal to outcompete algae

Melting (Leaf Tissue Breakdown)

Symptoms

Leaves becoming translucent, mushy texture, rapid tissue dissolution, plant appearing to dissolve

Treatment

Often caused by sudden parameter changes; maintain stable temperature (22-27°C), pH (5.5-7.0), and gradual acclimation; increase water circulation; perform 30% water change; ensure adequate CO2 and lighting; trim affected portions

Slow/Stunted Growth

Symptoms

Minimal new leaf development, leaves remaining small, plant appearing dormant despite adequate lighting, pale coloration

Treatment

Verify CO2 injection (essential for this species); increase light intensity to 150-250 PAR; boost fertiliser dosing; check for nutrient lockout by testing water hardness and adjusting to 1-8 dGH; ensure substrate contains aquasoil with trace minerals