DIFFICULTY Advanced

Benefits from more deliberate care.

LIGHT Very High

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Recommended

Can grow without it, but responds noticeably to supplementation.

GROWTH Fast

Weekly trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Rotala 'Mini Butterfly'

A dwarf rotala with tiny leaves and pink-cream tops.

Mini Butterfly' is a compact, small-leaved rotala that creeps and mounds, taking on cream-pink hues at the tips under intense light. A refined detail plant for high-tech nano and midground work.
Shrimp friendly Nano suitable High-tech suitable
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 placementMidground
Typical height2–5 in
Typical width2 in
Suggested minimum tank10 gal
Suggested tank height12 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightVery High
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR50–130
Injected CO₂Recommended
CO₂ benefitVery High
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingLow
Water-column feedingHigh
Overall fertilizer demandHigh
Iron demandHigh
MicronutrientsModerate
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature70–82°F
pH5.5–7
GH1–12 dGH
KH0–8 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate

Plant stems individually with space; replant trimmed tops to thicken the group.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Acclimation

Submersed leaves differ from emersed stock; expect a transition after planting.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Lower leaves drop and color fades without strong light, CO2 and iron.