Rotala Macrandra 'Mini Red' — Tissue Culture

Flag: Source content omitted Origin — filled in as India based on the genus/species (matches the sibling Rotala Macrandra 'Bangladesh' listing).

Rotala Macrandra (Butterfly Mini) is a dramatic back or mid-ground stem plant with red leaves that contrast strikingly against typical green foliage. It can be difficult to grow, requiring high light and nutrient levels — without sufficient light, bottom leaves shrivel and fall off. In its emersed state, leaves grow prostrate and green; the submersed form grows upright with deep red color. Supplementing iron and micronutrients helps develop the best color, with the brightest red appearing when nitrates are low but phosphate and micronutrients are high — insufficient iron can cause pale red or white-marked leaves. Grows best with CO2 at 15-25ppm and soft, acidic water.

Care & Planting: To propagate, cut the newest growth from the base of the stem and replant. For pruning, cut off the leafy top half and replant. Space shoots apart so light reaches all plants.

A note on appearance: Many stem plants, including this one, are harvested in their above-water (emersed) form, and the photo may not reflect how it looks once fully adjusted to life underwater. Leaf shape and coloration commonly shift as the plant transitions to submersed growth — don't be surprised if new growth looks different from what arrived in your order. Give it a few weeks to acclimate before judging its final look.