🌿 All About Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf' – Growow TC Plant

Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf' is a stunning and highly sought-after red stem plant known for its vibrant coloration and graceful, slender foliage. A variant of the well-known Rotala macrandra, this plant features narrower leaves, making it a more refined and manageable choice for aquascapers looking for color contrast and elegance in the mid- or background.

🔍 Quick Overview

• Scientific Name: Rotala macrandra ‘Narrow Leaf’

• Common Name: Narrow Leaf Rotala macrandra

• Family: Lythraceae

• Origin: Southeast Asia

• Type: Stem plant

🌱 Plant Characteristics

• Height: 20–50+ cm

• Leaf Shape: Long, narrow, and slightly curved

• Color: Bright red to deep crimson under ideal conditions

• Growth Habit: Upright with moderate branching

• Growth Rate: Medium to fast with proper care

💧 Tank Requirements

• Lighting: High intensity is essential for vivid coloration

• CO₂: Strongly recommended (almost essential)

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

• Water Parameters:

  • pH: 5.5–7.0

  • Temperature: 22–28°C

  • Hardness: Soft water preferred

• Tank Position: Midground to background focal plant

🧪 Growow TC Plant Benefits

• Lab-grown and 100% sterile – free from snails, algae, and pesticides

• Ships in a tissue culture cup – healthy, disease-free growth

• Can be separated into multiple stems for wide planting

• Faster adaptation to submerged growth with bright colors

🌟 Why Choose Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf'?

• Delivers intense red and pink hues, making it a centerpiece plant

• Leaf shape adds texture contrast to green and broader-leaf species

• Suitable for Dutch and Nature aquascapes

• More manageable and less delicate than the classic macrandra

• Great for color layering behind green or light-toned plants

🧠 Aquascaping Tips

• Trim tops regularly to encourage bushier growth

• Place in a high-light zone to bring out its best coloration

• Combine with plants like Rotala rotundifolia 'Green', Limnophila aromatica, or Tonina fluviatilis

• Avoid shading – this plant requires direct light exposure

• Use liquid ferts + root nutrition + CO₂ for peak performance

💡 Pro Tip: Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf' is slightly easier to maintain than the classic macrandra but still demands a stable, nutrient-rich environment to thrive and display its rich coloration.