Rotala macrandra 'Mini Butterfly'

 

Rotala macrandra mini Butterfly, this Rotala is an extraordinary plant!
First of all, this Rotala needs its environment.

As a keeper you should already have a lot of experience in the areas of light, fertilization and care of red stem plants.
God knows not every setup is suitable for you and even in the right setup range, different growth forms can be achieved by shifting the individual parameters.
Soil is not a “must”, but it is also not a disadvantage.

Its deep red magenta color, with a very slight blue shimmer, can best be achieved with strong lighting, iron fertilization, irritating NPK fertilization and 20mg CO2.
In the middle to the rear of the pelvis, as a loosely set bundle, it has enough space to develop plenty of side shoots when it grows up towards the water level.
It develops its strongest and most intense color when it comes closest to the lamp and lies down on the surface of the water.
However, this is where it begins to develop aerial roots and should therefore be cut and re-planted at the right time.

If you want to wait for the stem stumps remaining in the ground to sprout, instead of replanting the cut-off upper part, you have to expect and live with rather weak green heads. Only when they grow again and stretch towards the light and the fertilization is correct, the pale heads turn intensely dark red again.
In its overall structure it may be a bit smaller and more delicate than the normal Rotala type, and its tight and crisp look gives it an almost three-dimensional effect.
With these plants you can safely say that if you know how to hold them, they can not only be shown as an absolute rarity, but also leave an unforgettable impression on every viewer.