Care specifications
| Type | Stem |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Light | High (60–100 µmol PAR) |
| CO2 | Required |
| Fertilizer demand | High |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| Max height | 20 in |
| Spread | 4 in |
| Placement | Midground, Background |
| Attaches to hardscape | No |
| Snail & shrimp safe | Yes |
| Temperature | 72–82 °F |
| pH | 6–7 |
| Color | Red |
| Trimming | Regular |
| Styles | Dutch, Nature |
Get Rotala Macrandra
Propagation
Top the stems and replant the cuttings; keep spacing generous so light reaches every stem.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Rotala macrandra losing its red color?
Color collapse comes from whichever of its three pillars slipped: light intensity, iron, or CO2. All three need to be high and steady — under strong light with iron-rich dosing and stable CO2 the tops glow magenta; lose any one and new growth goes pale pink to green within a week or two.
Why are the stems melting from the bottom up?
Parameter instability is the usual cause — fluctuating CO2 is the classic trigger, followed by dense planting that shades the lower stems. Keep CO2 rock-steady, thin the bush so light reaches the base, and replant healthy tops rather than nursing damaged stems.
Rotala Macrandra appears in
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