Rotala macrandra sp mini red

Rotala macrandra sp. Mini Red — Intense Colour in a Compact Form

Rotala macrandra sp. Mini Red is a compact, fine-leaved cultivar of the classic Rotala macrandra, prized for its ability to achieve the same extraordinary deep red and pink colouration as its larger relative in a smaller, more manageable growth form. One of the most rewarding stem plants in the high-tech planted aquarium hobby, Mini Red rewards demanding conditions with foliage of breathtaking intensity — a cascade of rich crimson and rose tones that creates a stunning contrast against green planting and light substrate.

Small Leaves, Maximum Colour Impact

The compact leaf size and denser branching habit of Rotala macrandra sp. Mini Red make it exceptionally versatile in the aquascape — equally effective as a midground accent, a background column of colour, or a tightly planted group that creates a bold red focal point. Under optimal conditions its upper leaves develop a vivid, almost luminous red-pink that intensifies under strong light and with consistent CO₂ and nutrient dosing.

Care Profile

• Scientific Name: Rotala macrandra sp. ‘Mini Red’
• Origin: Cultivar; species native to India and Southeast Asia
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast under optimal conditions
• Placement: Midground to background
• Light: High — strong light is essential for deep red colouration; low light results in green or pale pink growth
• CO₂: Strongly recommended — CO₂ injection significantly improves colour intensity and growth rate
• Fertilisation: Regular macro and micronutrient dosing required; particularly responsive to iron supplementation for red colouration
• Water Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 5.5–7.0 (soft, slightly acidic water produces the best colour)
• Propagation: Stem cuttings — trim tops and replant; lower stems will branch and bush out over time
• Note: A demanding species that rewards high-tech setups; not recommended for low-tech aquariums where colour and growth will be significantly reduced

Aquascape Compatibility

Rotala macrandra sp. Mini Red is a classic choice for Nature Aquarium and Dutch-style aquascapes where intense red colouration is a design priority. It pairs beautifully with green stem plants — Rotala rotundifolia, Ludwigia species, and Limnophila — as well as carpeting plants and green midground epiphytes. Its compact form makes it easier to shape and control than the standard macrandra, making it the preferred choice of many experienced aquascapers.

Demanding, rewarding, and spectacularly beautiful — Rotala macrandra sp. Mini Red is the red stem plant that sets the standard for colour intensity in the high-tech planted aquarium.