Wild AI
PLANT OVERVIEW
About Rotala Macrandra
A notoriously demanding but breathtakingly beautiful red stem plant.
Rotala macrandra is a true test of an aquascaper's skill. It demands very high light, soft water, and heavy CO2 injection.
Background
Rotala Macrandra
Rotala macrandra
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DIFFICULTY
Expert
Benefits from more deliberate care.
LIGHT
Very High
Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.
CO₂
Required
Injected CO₂ is important for expected growth.
GROWTH
Fast
High trimming needs.
CARE PROFILE
What this plant needs.
The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.
TANK FIT
Placement + size
Primary placementBackground
Typical height8–20 in
Typical width4 in
Suggested minimum tank15 gal
Suggested tank height22 in+
LIGHT + CO₂
Energy demand
Ideal lightVery High
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR60–120
Injected CO₂Required
CO₂ benefitVery High
NUTRITION
Where it feeds
Root feedingModerate
Water-column feedingHigh
Overall fertilizer demandHigh
Iron demandHigh
MicronutrientsHigh
WATER
Useful parameter range
Temperature72–82°F
pH5.5–6.5
GH1–6 dGH
KH1–4 dKH
How to plant it.
Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate
Plant carefully, stems are fragile.
What to expect after planting.
Propagation
Stem cuttings
Acclimation
High melt risk.
What usually goes wrong.
Melts quickly if parameters are not ideal.
KEEP EXPLORING
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