Rotala macrandra
Scientific name: Rotala macrandra
Family: Lythraceae
Usual maximum size in aquariums: 25 - 55 cm (9.84 - 21.65 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 6.9
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°F)
Reproduction of the plant: Cuttings
Origin (in the wild): Sri Lanka
How fast these plants grow: Fast
Recommended substrate: Fine gravel
Demands on lighting: Bright
Ideal placement in a fish tank: Middle
Family
Lythraceae
Common Name
Giant Red Rotala
Origin
Asia; they are found in Sri Lanka and India.
Propagation
This plant is propagated by cuttings. When the mother plant is pruned back keep the cuttings and strip off the bottom leaves to leave an inch of bare stem. Carefully place the cuttings into the substrate ensuring that the stem does not get crushed and roots will appear in a short time, at the first node.
Difficulty
Medium
Short Description
This plant is very demanding and requires lots of lighting plus a lot of nutrients in the water for it to keep its stunning red colouration. A CO2 system and soft, acidic water must be used and the stems should not be planted too close together or the bottom leaves will die off due to lack of light.