Rotala macrandra

Rotala macrandra comes from southern India, where it grows in permanent watercourses, in rice fields and on sunny, periodically flooded riverbanks.¹ The species name (“large-stamened”) refers to the long stamens.¹ When emersed, the leaves resemble those of Rotala rotundifolia; the upright submersed shoots, by contrast, bear delicate, sessile leaves approx. 2–4 cm long, whose colour ranges from olive green to deep brownish red depending on the light.¹²

This demanding species needs, besides intense light and CO₂ supply, good water movement, soft to moderately hard, acidic water and a low-lime substrate; sufficient iron and a balanced nutrient supply are also important, and it is considered sensitive to cold shocks.¹² So that the lower leaves also receive enough light, the stems are planted individually and not too densely.¹²