Plant Profile Rotala Macrandra Mini Pink is a dramatic, high-demand stem plant originating from India, known for its compact size and striking deep pink-to-red foliage. Highly favored for midground and background placement in high-tech aquascapes, its delicate leaves provide an exceptional visual contrast alongside green aquatic plants. When provided with strong lighting, soft acidic water, and pressurized CO2, Rotala Macrandra Mini Pink grows rapidly into a vibrant, bushy focal point. *Form Notice: Photos display this plant in both its emersed (above-water) and submerged forms. Depending on nursery availability and seasonality, you may receive this plant in either form. Learn more about what to expect by reading our guide on Emersed vs. Submerged-Grown Aquatic Plants. Key Features & Benefits Delivers intense magenta and bright red coloration, making it a premier choice for high-contrast aquascape layouts. Fast-growing stem structure easily forms dense, bushy midground clusters when provided with optimal light and nutrient levels. Care & Planting Instructions Remove lead weight and remove cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the base, then strip the lower inch of foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting. *Rotala has fragile leaves, so handle stems with care during preparation. Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into soil, spacing them apart so light reaches lower foliage and prevents leaf loss. Provide high-intensity lighting and pressurized CO2 (15–25 ppm) in soft, acidic water (pH 5.0–7.0). Maintain low nitrates with high phosphates and iron dosing to trigger brilliant red color and prevent pale or white-spotted leaves. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants. Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden environmental shifts to prevent leaf melt or rotting in delicate stems. Trim the leafy, robust top half with straight scissors once stems reach the surface and replant into the substrate to encourage dense branching. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details. Quick Facts Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth! Attribute Specification Scientific Name Rotala macrandra 'Mini Pink' Common Name(s) Rotala Macrandra Mini Pink, Butterfly Mini Family Lythraceae Plant Type / Taxonomy Stem Plant Care Difficulty Difficult / Advanced Light Requirement High CO2 Requirement Required (15–25 ppm) Placement / Usage Midground / Background Bushing Height / Size 8–11”+ Growth Rate Fast Water Parameters pH 5.0–7.0 | Soft Water Preferred Propagation Method Cuttings (Replant side shoots or trimmed tops) Origin India Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants? Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining strong light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy. 2. How do I keep Rotala Macrandra Mini Pink bright red and prevent pale leaves? Rotala Macrandra Mini Pink requires very high light intensity, pressurized CO2, and targeted fertilizer dosing. Maintaining high phosphate and micronutrient (iron) levels alongside low nitrates will produce the deepest red and pink tones, while preventing pale leaves or white markings. 3. How do I transition Rotala Macrandra Mini Pink from emersed to submerged growth? When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into rich substrate under high lighting and keep water parameters stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its rounded green land leaves and sprout delicate, deep pink-red underwater foliage. Once new shoots develop, trim away old lower growth to encourage dense, bushy branching.
