Rotala Macrandra Shimoga

Rotala Macrandra 'Shimoga' (Rotala macrandra)

Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular red stem plants in the aquascaping hobby, Rotala Macrandra 'Shimoga' is a prized locality variant collected from the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India. Its broad, wavy leaves display an extraordinary depth of crimson-red to magenta colouration under high light, creating a dramatic focal point in any planted aquarium.

Why Aquascapers Love It

• Exceptional colouration — deep crimson to magenta leaves; one of the reddest stem plants available
• Locality variant — 'Shimoga' form is noted for broader leaves and more intense colour than standard R. macrandra
• Striking texture — wavy, broad leaf margins add visual depth and contrast to aquascapes
• Rewarding challenge — demands high light and CO₂, but rewards with unmatched colour payoff
• Versatile use — excellent as a bold background or mid-ground accent in Nature Aquarium and Dutch-style layouts

Care at a Glance

• Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
• Placement: Mid-ground to Background
• Light: High (1+ W/L; high-PAR LED recommended)
• CO₂: Essential for healthy growth and peak colouration
• Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
• pH: 5.5–7.0 | Hardness: 0–10 dGH (soft, slightly acidic water preferred)
• Fertilisation: Requires consistent macro and micro nutrient dosing
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Propagation: Stem cuttings — trim tops and replant to encourage bushy growth

Best planted in groups of 5–7 stems for a bold splash of colour. Regular trimming promotes lateral branching and a fuller, denser appearance. Pair with green foreground plants like Hemianthus callitrichoides or Eleocharis sp. to make the red colouration truly pop.