Rotala macrandra (ADA Tissue Culture)

Rotala macrandra, often celebrated for its vivid coloration and delicate, feathery leaves, is a stunning addition to any aquascape. With its vibrant red, pink, and orange hues, this stem plant is ideal for adding a bold splash of color to the midground or background of your aquarium. Rotala macrandra is particularly sought after by aquascaping enthusiasts for its dramatic color contrast, which can be enhanced under optimal lighting and nutrient conditions.

This Rotala macrandra is provided in an ADA Tissue Culture format, ensuring that you receive healthy, pest-free, and algae-free plants directly from a sterile laboratory environment. This method of propagation not only guarantees the highest quality plants but also provides a clean and easy start for your aquascape.

Care Guide

Tank Requirements

• Lighting: Rotala macrandra requires high lighting (at least 3-4 watts per gallon or 50-80 micromoles of PAR at substrate level) to maintain its vibrant coloration and compact growth. Insufficient light will cause the plant to become leggy, and it may lose its intense coloration.
• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is essential for Rotala macrandra, as this plant relies heavily on substrate nutrients to thrive. Aqua soil or similar high-quality substrates are recommended to promote strong root development and overall plant health.
• CO2 Injection: CO2 supplementation is highly recommended for Rotala macrandra. This plant will show its best growth and coloration when provided with consistent CO2 levels (20-30 ppm). Without CO2, it may grow slowly and develop less vibrant colors.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
  • pH: 5.5-7.0
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (1-10 dGH)

Planting and Preparation (ADA Tissue Culture)

1. Opening the Tissue Culture Container: Begin by carefully opening the ADA Tissue Culture container. Inside, you’ll find the Rotala macrandra plantlets embedded in a nutrient gel designed to sustain the plant during transport.
2. Rinsing the Plant: Remove the plant mass from the container and gently rinse it under lukewarm water. It’s important to thoroughly wash away the nutrient gel, as any residue left in the aquarium can lead to water quality issues.
3. Dividing the Plant: After rinsing, gently separate the plant mass into smaller clumps or individual stems. This makes planting easier and allows for a more even distribution in the tank, which is especially important for dense growth and full coloration.
4. Planting: Using aquascaping tweezers, plant the individual stems into the substrate. Space the stems about 1 inch apart to give them room to grow and spread. Ensure that the base of each stem is securely anchored in the substrate while keeping the leaves above the substrate surface.
5. Initial Care: After planting, maintain stable lighting and consider starting with a shorter photoperiod (6-8 hours) to minimize algae growth while the plants establish. Gradually increase the photoperiod as the plants begin to acclimate and grow.

Maintenance

• Trimming: Regular trimming is essential to encourage bushy growth and prevent the lower portions of the plant from becoming shaded and deteriorating. Trimming the tops of the stems will promote side shoots, leading to a fuller appearance.
• Fertilization: Regular dosing with liquid fertilizers, especially those high in iron, is crucial for maintaining the vibrant colors of Rotala macrandra. A balanced nutrient regime that includes both macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients will support healthy growth.
• Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (25-30% weekly) to keep the water clean and stable, particularly in high-tech setups where nutrient levels can fluctuate and contribute to algae growth.

Propagation

Rotala macrandra is easily propagated through stem cuttings. Simply trim the top portion of a healthy stem and replant it in the substrate. Over time, these cuttings will develop roots and grow into new plants. Regular propagation through trimming helps maintain the plant’s compact form and prevents it from becoming too tall and leggy.

Summary

Rotala macrandra is a visually striking plant that can transform the look of any aquascape with its brilliant colors and delicate leaves. While it requires some attention to detail, particularly with lighting and CO2, the results are well worth the effort. Whether you’re looking to create a vibrant focal point or add a rich, contrasting element to your aquascape, Rotala macrandra is an excellent choice.

Add a burst of color to your aquarium with Rotala macrandra, and enjoy the vibrant, dynamic look it brings to your aquatic landscape.