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Small green leafy plants in black nursery pots arranged in a tray, photographed indoors against a patterned gray background.
  • Small green leafy plants in black nursery pots arranged in a tray, photographed indoors against a patterned gray background.
  • Several small potted green plants in black nursery pots arranged on a black tray, photographed against a dark patterned backdrop.
  • Several small green leafy plants in black plastic nursery pots arranged on a black tray inside what appears to be an aquarium, with a patterned gray background and a fish visible near the top.
  • Rotala Macrandra
  • Live aquatic plants with round green leaves in black plastic pots, placed in an aquarium with visible fish swimming above.
  • Small green leafy plants in black nursery pots arranged in a tray, photographed indoors against a patterned gray background.
  • Several small potted green plants in black nursery pots arranged on a black tray, photographed against a dark patterned backdrop.
  • Several small green leafy plants in black plastic nursery pots arranged on a black tray inside what appears to be an aquarium, with a patterned gray background and a fish visible near the top.
  • Rotala Macrandra
  • Live aquatic plants with round green leaves in black plastic pots, placed in an aquarium with visible fish swimming above.
Rotala Macrandra

Rotala Macrandra

$10.00 USD $15.99 USD $10.00 USD each

Rotala Macrandra – The Queen of Red Aquarium Plants

Rotala Macrandra is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful — and most coveted — red stem plants in the planted aquarium hobby. Native to India, this stunning plant produces broad, wavy leaves in shades of deep red, pink, and magenta that create an almost ethereal glow under aquarium lighting. Demanding but breathtakingly rewarding, Rotala Macrandra is the crown jewel of any serious aquascape.

Why Aquarists Love Rotala Macrandra

  • Unrivaled red coloration – Deep crimson to magenta leaves that rival any plant in the hobby for sheer visual impact
  • Distinctive leaf shape – Broad, ruffled leaves create a lush, full appearance unlike most other stem plants
  • Aquascape showpiece – A prized background plant in Dutch-style and nature aquascapes
  • Rewarding challenge – Ideal for intermediate to advanced planted tank enthusiasts looking to elevate their craft
  • Easy propagation – Trim stem cuttings and replant to fill out your tank with stunning red foliage

Care Guide

  • Lighting: High – essential for achieving the deepest red and magenta coloration
  • CO₂: Required for healthy growth; without CO₂ injection, growth will be slow and coloration poor
  • Fertilizer: Comprehensive macro and micro nutrient dosing required; iron supplementation is especially important
  • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
  • pH: 5.5–7.0
  • Water hardness: Soft water preferred (2–8 dGH)
  • Tank size: Best suited for tanks 20 gallons and larger

Pro tip: Rotala Macrandra is one of the more demanding aquarium plants, but the results are spectacular. Keep nitrates low (below 10 ppm), maintain consistent CO₂ levels, and dose iron regularly. Soft, slightly acidic water will bring out the most intense red and pink tones. Trim regularly to encourage dense, bushy growth.

Each Rotala Macrandra is sold as a healthy stem cutting, ready to be planted directly into your substrate. With the right conditions, it will reward you with some of the most stunning coloration in the freshwater plant hobby.

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