Rotala macrandra

Red Butterfly Rotala Growing & Care Guide

Red Butterfly Rotala is a spectacular, delicate vertical stem species native to Southern India, prized as the absolute king of aquascaping red plants. Highly demanding, it features gorgeous, translucent round leaves that turn a brilliant scarlet-red under intense lighting and chelated iron, serving as the ultimate vibrant background centerpiece in professional Dutch and nature-style layouts.

Lighting High to Very High

Water Parameter Soft, Acidic (pH 5.5-6.8)

Substrate Nutrient-rich Aquasoil

Water Temp 22°C - 28°C

Toxicity Pet Friendly (Non-toxic)

Botanical macro photography of Red Butterfly Rotala (Rotala macrandra) - Plant AI care database

How to Identify Red Butterfly Rotala

Red Butterfly Rotala (Rotala macrandra) has key botanical markers. Recognizing these features is crucial for successful aquascaping and thriving growth.

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Visual Shape & Growth: Dense upright vertical stems densely packed with delicate, wavy round brilliant scarlet-red leaves.
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Leaf Morphology: Translucent, egg-shaped to round leaves (approx. 0.5-1 inch long) with wavy edges showing intense red coloration.
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Root & Anchoring Structure: Fine, highly fibrous vertical roots anchoring into soil, sensitive to substrate compaction.

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Complete Cultivation & Spawning Guide

Follow our detailed scientific water parameters and care guides to keep your Red Butterfly Rotala thriving.

pH: 5.5 - 6.8, GH: 1 - 5 dGH. Strongly demands soft, slightly acidic water. Easily melts in hard, alkaline setups.

Very High. Demands constant, pressurized CO2 injection (30 ppm) to sustain leaf growth and prevent stem melting.

Very High. Requires intense, full-spectrum LED lighting. Low light will cause lower leaves to rot and stems to blacken.

Propagate by cutting the top healthy stems and replanting. Cut mid-stems to force bushy lateral branching.

Demands heavy iron and micro-nutrient dosing. Maintain low nitrates and high phosphates to induce intense redness.

Requires rich aquasoil. Provide slow-release root tabs to feed its delicate vertical root network.

Optimal temperature is 22°C to 28°C (71.6°F - 82.4°F). Sensitive to sudden cold water shocks during maintenance.

Requires steady water circulation. Good current prevents organic waste and algae spores from landing on delicate leaves.

Best kept with small non-destructive community fish like Tetras or Shrimps who graze on leaf surfaces safely.

Fast growth makes it prone to hair algae under unstable parameters. Employ Amano Shrimps to keep delicate foliage clean.

Plant individual stems 0.5 inch apart in the background. Do not bunch them together to allow light penetration to lower leaves.

Common Diseases & Treatment

Stem Rot & Melting

Symptoms: Stems turn dark, soft, and dissolve, losing all leaves starting from the bottom.

Action: Caused by hard water, lack of light at lower levels, or sudden CO2 drops. Keep GH low, trim tops to thin canopy, and stabilize CO2.

Tip Stunting (Chlorosis)

Symptoms: The active crown growth tip turns pale yellow, twists, or stops growing completely.

Action: Caused by boron, calcium, or iron deficiency. Ensure a balanced comprehensive micro-nutrient dosing program weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Red Butterfly Rotala turning green?

It is a clear sign of insufficient lighting or excessive nitrates. To maintain its brilliant red, increase light intensity, inject CO2, and limit nitrate levels.

How do I plant it correctly?

Always plant individual stems separately using aquascaping tweezers. Leaving space between stems allows light to reach the bottom foliage and prevents lower leaf drop.

Can it survive in a low-tech tank?

No. Rotala macrandra is highly demanding. It will quickly lose its color, melt, and die without high light, soft water, and pressurized CO2.

How do I prune it?

Cut the stems at the desired height. The bottom section will sprout two new side shoots, while the cut top can be replanted into the soil.