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Form of Rotala macrandra

Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly

Rotala macrandra 'Mini'

One of 6 forms of Rotala macrandra · See all forms →

Also known as Rotala macrandra 'Mini Butterfly', Mini Butterfly, Rotala macrandra Mini Red, Dwarf macrandra, Rotala macrandra 'Mini Pink', Butterfly Mini, Mini Giant Red Rotala

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly (Rotala macrandra 'Mini')
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Forms · Rotala macrandra

See all 6 →

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ required
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
9.8 in
25 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Midground
Type
Stem
pH
5.5–7.0
Hardness
1–8 dGH
Spread
1.6 in (4 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Difficult
Family
Lythraceae
Origin
A compact aquarium cultivar derived from Rotala macrandra, a species from wetlands of southern India and Sri Lanka.

Overview

Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly is a compact red stem plant for the midground. It is one of the most demanding Rotala forms and an expert-level plant.

Did you know

Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly gets its intense red from anthocyanin pigments. The plant builds them under high light and low nutrients.

Caring for Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly

Plant Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly in the midground and trim it carefully to keep a low, dense red cushion. Replant the cut tops, and the stump left behind grows new shoots.

It needs very high light, injected CO2, soft acidic water and rich dosing, with root tabs for the roots. Keep CO2 and nutrients steady, because it stunts easily when either fluctuates. It suits 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 7.

Under these conditions it grows fast, stays compact and turns deep pink to blood red. Side shoots can be cut free once they have a few leaves and planted on their own.

Good to know

Rotala macrandra is a member of the loosestrife family, Lythraceae, and Mini is a dwarf selection of that species. Its small leaves pack tightly along short stems. It is one of the smallest Rotala forms and among the more delicate ones in cultivation.

In the wild

Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly is a compact aquarium cultivar derived from Rotala macrandra. The parent species comes from wetlands of southern India and Sri Lanka.

Common questions

Is Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly a different species from Rotala macrandra?

No. Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly is a form of Rotala macrandra. It reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm), against 19.7 in (50 cm) for the species. It also differs in hardness, growth rate, pH, placement, spread and temperature.

Does Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly 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 Mini Butterfly need CO2?

Yes. Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly needs injected CO2 to grow well, and it usually struggles without it.

How much light does Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly need?

Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly needs high light from a strong planted-tank LED. In weaker light its stems stretch and drop their lower leaves.

Does Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly need root tabs?

They help. Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly 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 Mini Butterfly?

Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly 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 Mini Butterfly grow?

Rotala macrandra Mini Butterfly grows to about 9.8 in (25 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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