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Form of Rotala macrandra

Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf

Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf'

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

Also known as Rotala Magenta, Rotala macrandra Magenta, Rotala macrandra Florida

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

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
15.7 in
40 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Stem
pH
5.5–7.0
Hardness
1–8 dGH
Spread
2 in (5 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Difficult
Family
Lythraceae
Origin
Aquarium mutation of Rotala macrandra, native to southern India

Overview

Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf is a red stem plant for the background of a dialed-in, high-tech tank. It is a difficult plant.

Did you know

Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf spread through the trade out of Florida, which is why American shops sell it as 'Magenta' and 'Florida'. European databases file the same plant under Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf'.

Caring for Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf

Plant Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf as a group in the background. Its leaves are among the most fragile in the hobby, so move the plant as little as possible and cut it with sharp scissors.

It needs strong light, injected CO2, soft water and consistent fertilization, including root tabs for the roots. Lean nitrate helps the reds. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) with a pH of 5.5 to 7.

It grows fast, so trim the tops and plant them back in to build a bush. It is somewhat more forgiving than round-leaf macrandra. It still sheds leaves after big swings, cold water changes or a lapse in CO2.

Good to know

Rotala macrandra, in the family Lythraceae, is the giant red rotala of the hobby. Its species name means large-stamened. Narrow Leaf has lanceolate rather than rounded leaves. It remains the same species and keeps the soft-water, high-energy character of macrandra.

In the wild

Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf appeared as a mutation in nursery stock, not in a wild population, and it exists only in cultivation. Its parent grows in wetlands, pond margins and slow streams in southern India. There it lives submersed or emersed depending on the season.

Common questions

Is Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf a different species from Rotala macrandra?

No. Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf 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 Narrow Leaf 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 Narrow Leaf need CO2?

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

How much light does Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf need?

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

Does Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf need root tabs?

They help. Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf 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 Narrow Leaf?

Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf 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 Narrow Leaf grow?

Rotala macrandra Narrow Leaf grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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