Red rotala (macrandra)

Care at a glance

Red rotala has large, wavy leaves that under good conditions colour deep red to nearly purple, which makes it one of the most striking red stem plants. It is considerably more substantial than ordinary rotala and therefore looks fuller.

It is also clearly more demanding: strong light, CO2 and constant, balanced fertilisation are required, or it loses its lower leaves and fades. The stems are brittle, so trim and replant with fine tweezers and sharp scissors.

Related species

• Crinum calamistratumCrinum calamistratum
• Water hyacinth (floating)Eichhornia crassipes
• Blyxa japonicaBlyxa japonica
• Parrot featherMyriophyllum aquaticum
• African water fernBolbitis heudelotii
• Weeping mossVesicularia ferriei