A compact aquarium cultivar derived from Rotala macrandra, a species from wetlands of southern India and Sri Lanka.
Overview
Mini Butterfly is one of the most demanding Rotala forms and needs very high light, stable CO2, soft acidic water, and rich dosing. It stays compact and turns deep red under these conditions but stunts easily if CO2 or nutrients fluctuate. Use it in the midground and trim carefully to keep the low, dense red cushion.
In the wild
Rotala macrandra Mini, sold as Mini Butterfly, is a very compact form with small leaves packed tightly along short stems. Under intense light and CO2 it turns deep pink to blood red and stays low and bushy. It is one of the smallest and most vivid Rotala forms in the hobby.
Good to know
Rotala macrandra is a member of the loosestrife family, Lythraceae, and Mini is a dwarf selection of that species. Its intense red comes from anthocyanin pigments produced under high light and low nutrients. It is among the more delicate cultivated forms of the genus.
Did you know
Often sold as Mini Butterfly, it is grown as one of the smallest and reddest Rotala forms, but it is considered an expert-level plant because it stunts so easily.
High lightMidground11.8 in (30 cm)
High lightMidground7.9 in (20 cm)