Rotala macrandra 'Variegated' - Tissue culture Aquatic Plant

Overview: Rotala macrandra is a popular aquarium plant that is native to India and Southeast Asia. The ‘variegated’ variety of the plant looks extremely beautiful in an aquarium culture because of the blend of green, pink, and creamy white leaves. It can become the focal point of the tank due to its astonishing and striking colors. It is a delicate stem plant with the ability to add more vibrancy and liveliness to any tank. The leaves are broad but soft, with a metallic shimmer of red and pink. In addition, the white tones bring stunning contrast. Being a stem plant, it attains upright growth, making it suitable as a midground or background plant. When Rotala macrandra attains enough light, it shows its true colors and attains compact growth, bringing elegance to the aquascape.

Advantages: This tissue culture variant of Rotala macrandra ‘variegated’ is developed in sterile and in vitro conditions, making it free from pests, snails, and pathogens. Plants that are developed in such conditions easily adapt and acclimate in the new environment. Also, such plants are healthier and show vigorous growth. Being raised in contamination-free conditions ensures there will be no risk of algae or disease infestation in the tank. Under the right water parameters, it ensures lush growth with beautiful, vibrant colors.

Care: Make sure you remove all the tissue culture gel from the plant before adding it into the tank. Rinse the plant under clean water and get rid of all the tissue culture gel. Next, separate the plant into small clumps and plant them a few centimeters apart. It will allow them to grow and spread properly. You may need to maintain the plant once it gets established with proper pruning. It will encourage compact and bushy growth. Pruning will also promote new shoot development.

Light requirements: Rotala macrandra ‘variegated’ requires high light conditions to give the best results. It not only ensures bright and vibrant colors but also gives the characteristic variegation to the leaves. Light should be evenly distributed and strong enough to promote Rotala macrandra’s growth. While moderate light will make the leaves greener than reddish and pink, low light will fade the overall color and stunt the growth. In low light, the plant also becomes leggy and deteriorates. 8 to 10 hours of light every day is requisite.

pH: The ideal pH range for Rotala macrandra ‘variegated’ is between 6 and 7. For healthy growth and proper coloration, keep the water slightly acidic to neutral. Also, make sure he water parameters are stable and consistent, as sudden and intense fluctuations may harm the plants.

Other Requirements: Adding carbon dioxide will help Rotala macrandra ‘variegated’ to be healthier and more vibrant. It will help the plant get denser and bushier. However, it can survive without additional carbon dioxide as well. Make sure the temperature of the tank is consistent and between 22°C and 28°C with no fluctuations. There should be a nutrient-rich substrate as well, so that the roots develop stronger. Maintain the plant consistently and prune after regular intervals to get the best results.