Photo: Yercaud-elango, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Giant red rotala
Rotala macrandra Koehne
20–30 cm
Height in the aquarium
medium to high
Light
high
CO₂ needs
24–28 °C
Ideal temperature
Water parameters
Understand these values- Position
- background, midground
- Propagation
- cuttings
- Uses
- colour accent, Dutch street
- Grows emersed
- yes
In the wild
Overview
Its intense red colours make it a focal point among green plants. This Rotala of Indian origin is more demanding than several other species of the genus. A few well-placed stems are enough to create a strong accent; a stand that dominates too much can draw attention away from the rest of the layout.
- Scientific name
- Rotala macrandra Koehne
- Classification
- Myrtales › Lythraceae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
- Native countries
- Introduced by people
No introduction reported outside its native range.
Countries: Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP). Dots: GBIF observations in the native countries.
In the aquarium
Growing in the aquarium
Space the stems so that light also reaches their lower parts. Avoid shade, which can make the base die back. CO₂ helps bring together good growing conditions, along with steady fertilisation. After trimming, replant the healthiest top portions to rejuvenate the group rather than always keeping bare plants.
Sources:Flowgrow Tropica GBIF POWO (Kew) Tropical Fish Hobbyist — Bryce Millar · Base map: Natural Earth