🌿 All About Rotala macrandra 'Compacta' – Growow TC Plant

Rotala macrandra 'Compacta' is a compact, colorful, and bushier variant of the iconic Rotala macrandra. Known for its intense reddish-pink tones and shorter internodes, this plant is ideal for aquarists looking to add rich color without the sprawling height and delicacy of the traditional variety. When grown under optimal conditions, it forms dense, vibrant hedges that make it a standout in Dutch or Nature-style aquascapes.

🔍 Quick Overview

• Scientific Name: Rotala macrandra 'Compacta'

• Common Name: Compact Macrandra

• Family: Lythraceae

• Origin: Cultivated variant from Asia

• Type: Stem plant

🌱 Plant Characteristics

• Height: 10–30 cm

• Leaf Shape: Broad, oval leaves with shorter spacing between nodes

• Color: Vivid pink to deep red under strong lighting

• Growth Habit: Dense, upright, and compact

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

💧 Tank Requirements

• Lighting: High (essential for full red coloration)

• CO₂: Strongly recommended for healthy growth and vibrancy

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich (aquasoil or root-feeding tabs)

• Water Parameters:

  • pH: 5.5–6.8

  • Temperature: 22–28°C

  • Hardness: Soft water preferred

• Placement: Midground or as a vibrant accent in background groups

🧪 Growow Tissue Culture (TC) Benefits

• Lab-grown under sterile conditions – free from snails, algae, or diseases

• Clean and safe for shrimp or sensitive livestock

• Can be divided into multiple stems for planting across aquascapes

• Quick acclimatization to submerged conditions

🌟 Why Choose Rotala macrandra 'Compacta'?

• Intense red coloration in a manageable, bushy format

• Less prone to legginess compared to standard macrandra

• Perfect for nano to mid-sized tanks needing vibrant accents

• Excellent for color blocks and layout contrast

• Easier to maintain than larger, more delicate red stem plants

🧠 Aquascaping Tips

• Regular trimming promotes dense clusters and compact look

• Avoid shading – plant in open, well-lit areas

• Looks stunning against golden, green, or fine-leaved companions like:

  • Rotala rotundifolia 'Green'

  • Ludwigia arcuata

  • Tonina fluviatilis

• Requires stable water and fertilization for consistent color and form

• Works beautifully in Dutch-style rows or color-group designs

💡 Expert Tip: For best results, dose liquid iron and trace nutrients, maintain high light and CO₂, and trim regularly to prevent bottom stem rot.