Rotala Macrandra Mini Red

Rotala macrandra Mini Red

📍 Southeast Asia

Rotala Macrandra Mini Red is a compact, high-color variant of the popular stem plant, featuring deep red to burgundy leaves with intricate venation patterns. This cultivar grows slower and stays smaller than standard Rotala macrandra, making it ideal for mid-sized aquascapes. The vibrant red coloration intensifies under high light and with adequate CO2 supplementation.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Non-destructive, helps with algae control on leaves, does not uproot plants

excellent

Cardinal Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish, small bioload, does not disturb substrate or plants

good

Otocinclus

Algae eater that grazes on leaf surfaces without damaging plant tissue

excellent

German Blue Ram

Gentle dwarf cichlid, minimal plant disturbance, compatible with high-tech setup

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Excellent algae control, does not uproot or damage stems

excellent

Common Diseases

Melt / Transition Shock

Symptoms

Leaves turn translucent, mushy stems, rapid leaf loss after planting or parameter changes

Treatment

Maintain stable water parameters (pH, temperature, hardness). Ensure consistent high lighting and CO2 levels. Trim affected portions and allow new growth. Be patient; recovery takes 2-4 weeks.

Iron Deficiency (Chlorosis)

Symptoms

New leaves emerge pale yellow or white while veins remain green; older leaves unaffected

Treatment

Dose comprehensive liquid fertilizer containing chelated iron 2-3 times weekly. Increase CO2 to improve nutrient uptake. Check pH; iron availability decreases above pH 7.5.

Algae Overgrowth on Leaves

Symptoms

Green spot algae, thread algae, or black beard algae coating leaf surfaces; stunted growth

Treatment

Increase water column nutrient balance (macros and micros). Reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours. Increase CO2 and flow. Manual removal with soft brush. Add algae-eating fauna (Amano shrimp, Otocinclus).

Nutrient Deficiency (Macronutrient)

Symptoms

Stunted growth, yellowing older leaves, weak stems, poor coloration despite high light

Treatment

Dose comprehensive all-in-one fertilizer or separate macro (NPK) and micro (trace) fertilizers. Perform 30-50% water changes weekly. Test and maintain nitrogen 10-20 ppm, phosphorus 2-4 ppm, potassium 10-20 ppm.

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Quick Facts

co2: required
lighting: high
placement: midground
substrate: Root feeder; requires nutrient-rich aquasoil or regular liquid fertilization. Benefits from root tabs. Inert gravel acceptable with comprehensive fertilizer dosing.
growth rate: slow