A trade cultivar of the genus Rotala, which grows in wetlands and seasonally flooded ground across South and Southeast Asia.
Overview
Rotala macrandra Bangladesh is a fine-leaved stem plant for the background of a high-tech tank. It is a difficult plant.
Did you know
The true botanical identity of Rotala macrandra Bangladesh is still debated. It is sold as a form of Rotala macrandra and also listed under Rotala mexicana.
Caring for Rotala macrandra Bangladesh
Plant the stems of Rotala macrandra Bangladesh apart in the background so light reaches each one. Top them and replant the tops to build density.
It needs intense light, injected CO2 and strong fertilization to color up and grow well. Keep CO2 steady, because this variety stunts when levels swing. Give it plenty of phosphate with lower nitrate for the best tones, and use root tabs as well as liquid dosing. It suits 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 7.
Under strong light and stable CO2 the tops color up while the stems stay upright. It grows fast, so trim it often and plant side shoots once they have a few leaves.
Good to know
Rotala belongs to the loosestrife family, Lythraceae, and Bangladesh is a trade form linked to Rotala macrandra. Its slender, narrow leaves come in tones of green, pink and red. They give it a finer look than the broad-leaved forms of Rotala macrandra. It resembles a slightly larger Rotala Vietnam or Bossii.
In the wild
Rotala macrandra Bangladesh is a trade cultivar. Wild Rotala grows in wetlands and seasonally flooded ground across South and Southeast Asia.
Common questions
Is Rotala macrandra Bangladesh a different species from Rotala macrandra?
No. Rotala macrandra Bangladesh is a form of Rotala macrandra. It reaches about 15.7 in (40 cm), against 19.7 in (50 cm) for the species. It also differs in hardness, pH, spread and temperature.
Does Rotala macrandra Bangladesh need to be planted in the substrate?
Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.
Does Rotala macrandra Bangladesh need CO2?
Yes. Rotala macrandra Bangladesh needs injected CO2 to grow well, and it usually struggles without it.
How much light does Rotala macrandra Bangladesh need?
Rotala macrandra Bangladesh needs high light from a strong planted-tank LED. In weaker light its stems stretch and drop their lower leaves.
Does Rotala macrandra Bangladesh need root tabs?
They help. Rotala macrandra Bangladesh takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.
How do you propagate Rotala macrandra Bangladesh?
Rotala macrandra Bangladesh propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.
How tall does Rotala macrandra Bangladesh grow?
Rotala macrandra Bangladesh grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.
High lightBackground15.7 in (40 cm)
High lightBackground15.7 in (40 cm)
Medium lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)
Medium lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)
Medium lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)