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Tropica Rotala macrandra 1-2-GROW!

Vivid broad-leaved red Rotala macrandra in Tropica 1-2-GROW tissue culture

Tropica

Regular price
£5.99
Regular price
£7.99
Sale price
£5.99

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    Quick Facts

    Rating:

    Common name:

    Position in Aquarium: Mid/background

    Growth rate: Fast

    Grows up to: 40 cm

    Pot size: 5 cm

    Origin: Asia

    Description

    Rotala macrandra is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular red aquarium plants available, producing large, oval to lance-shaped leaves in vivid pink to deep crimson under bright light and CO2. Its broad, intensely coloured leaves make it one of the most visually impactful stem plants in the hobby — a true statement species for experienced planted aquarium hobbyists with high-tech set-ups.

    It is one of the most demanding stem plants, requiring very bright light, continuous CO2 injection, soft slightly acidic water, and careful nutrition management. Without these conditions the colour fades rapidly and the plant deteriorates. Iron-rich fertilisation is particularly important for sustaining the vivid red-crimson pigmentation on actively growing new leaves.

    Supplied as a Tropica 1-2-GROW! tissue culture cup, this plant arrives completely free from snails, pest algae, and pesticide residue. Rinse the gel, separate stems and plant into the substrate. Suited to experienced hobbyists with bright lighting, CO2, and soft water — the most spectacular broad-leaved red stem plant in the hobby, fully shrimp safe.

    Plant Sizes

    The image of the plant you'll be receiving is just an example of what you can expect. Each plant is unique and may vary in size and shape, so it won't be an exact match to the photo. If we provide a size guide, keep in mind that it's just an estimate and that plants can vary in size depending on the time of year.

    WHAT TO EXPECT

    Tissue cultured plants are supplied young and grown in a sterile environment, so they arrive free from snails, algae and pesticide residue. They may look smaller on arrival, but each cup contains multiple plantlets designed to be divided and planted out, where they establish quickly with minimal melt and grow into place.

    Tropica Rotala macrandra 1-2-GROW!
    Tropica Rotala macrandra 1-2-GROW!
    Tropica Rotala macrandra 1-2-GROW!
    Tropica Rotala macrandra 1-2-GROW! - Aqua Essentials
    Tropica Rotala macrandra 1-2-GROW! - Aqua Essentials

    Customers praised this aquatic plant for "growing and colouring up nicely" with fast delivery. While known as a "fussy plant," most reported strong growth when conditions are right. Some noted the stems are "fragile" and "difficult to plant" due to tiny size. Overall positive results when established properly.

    • These plants are fantastic. They have already doubled in size.
    • These were lovely stems, and are growing and colouring up nicely.
    • Delivered next day, thanks
    • 5 stars: 5 (63%)
    • 4 stars: 1 (13%)
    • 3 stars: 1 (13%)
    • 2 stars: 1 (13%)
    • 1 star: 0 (0%)
    D
    David M.
    Review

    Plant arrived in perfect condition, but struggling to get it to grow.

    A
    Amanda H.
    Review

    I held off giving a review of this very fussy plant just to see how things went. I need not have worried, these were lovely stems, and are growing and colouring up nicely.

    A
    Amanda H.
    Review

    I held off giving a review of this fussy plant just to see how things went. I need'nt have worried has been in the tank about two weeks and is growing strongly and colouring up nicely.

    A
    Allan L.
    Review

    Delivered next day, thanks

    P
    Pippa M.
    Review

    Lovely plant. Difficult to handle as per the 1-2-3 instructions as so friable/fragile, but showing growth already.

    J
    James W.
    Review

    they came in a fairly bad state the stems were quite wilted and difficult to plant

    I have used 1 2 grow plants in the past which were fine but these ones seemed of poorer quality than others

    J
    Jacqui D.
    Review

    Plants were fine and healthy in their pot - but once I had rinsed the gel off I found them impossible to plant as they were so tiny, so for me it was not a good purchase.

    R
    Robert R.
    Review

    These plants are fantastic. I bought two pots of this rotala a week ago and they have already doubled in size.
    They arrived well packaged and extremely healthy.
    So good I'm thinking of rescaping my ADA tank to plant with just 1-2-grow!

    Product Details

    1. Grown in a laboratory

    Tissue Cultured Plants are unique in so much as they are grown in a laboratory and not a greenhouse. As a result of this, a cast iron guarantee is offered which is 100% so snails and no pesticides.

    2. How to handle them

    They're a bit different from potted plants because they're grown in an agae solution that contains nutrients and hormones to encrougage plants to grow. Some agar is liquid, others are more solid depending on what the growers prefers. Regardless once they arrive with you, acclimatise to room temperature and then rinse under luke warm tap water. Then plant up.

    3. Pot sizes

    Nearly all TC pots are 5cm in diameter and the pots will range in fullness depending on many factors such as the natural growth speed of the plant and the time the grower has held them for. Sometimes the pots are exceptionally full and sometimes not so full - something we cannot control. But either way, they're still really good value when you look at the overall plant mass.

    Product FAQs

    Helpful details before you buy.

    Is Rotala macrandra easy to keep?

    No. It is one of the most demanding aquarium plants, requiring very bright light, CO2, soft slightly acidic water, and precise nutrition. Only for experienced high-tech hobbyists.

    Does it need CO2?

    Yes. CO2 is essential. Without CO2 the vivid red colour cannot be maintained and the plant rapidly deteriorates.

    What colours does it develop?

    Under ideal conditions the broad leaves develop vivid pink to deep crimson tones — among the most intense and saturated red colouration available in any aquarium stem plant.

    Is it safe for shrimp tanks?

    Yes. As a Tropica 1-2-GROW! tissue culture plant it arrives free from snails, algae, and pesticide residue.

    What water conditions does it need?

    Soft, slightly acidic water is important. Hard or alkaline water inhibits iron uptake and the vivid colouration cannot be maintained.