ROTALA MACRANDRA (DRAWF) |
|
Position |
Midground, Background |
Hardiness |
Difficult |
Lighting Requirement |
Very high |
Plant Structure |
Stem |
Origin |
India, South Asia |
pH |
5.0 – 6.5 |
Temperature |
22 – 28° Celsius |
Size |
20 – 50 cm tall |
Growth Rate |
Fast |
Emersed Culture |
Yes |
Rotala Macrandra, or the Giant Red Rotala, is a plant native to India. This plant is quite demanding in terms of lighting intensity and nutrient availability. To show this plant’s true potential, CO2 injection is necessary and iron supplements must be applied to the aquarium water. High lighting intensity is also essential to produce healthy plant growth.
Low Nitrate (NO3) levels with high Phosphate (PO4) levels will result in compact, bright red growth. High NO3 levels and low PO4 levels will result in leggy and light orange growth. Iron and micro nutrients supplements are required for optimum and healthy growth.
Rotala Macrandra is often used as an accent plant or focal point due to its beautiful red coloration. This plant can also be used as a background plant. If given enough CO2 and high lighting, this plant will produce oxygen bubbles or a pearling effect.