Rotala Macranda Butterfly

Rotala macrandra ‘Butterfly’ is a stunning premium red stem plant known for its delicate, patterned leaves and vibrant shades of red, pink, and burgundy. Best suited for high-light, CO₂-enriched aquariums, it adds striking colour and texture to midground and background areas, making it a favourite feature plant in advanced aquascapes.

Rotala Macrandra ‘Butterfly’ – Premium Red Stem Plant

Rotala Macrandra ‘Butterfly’ is a highly sought-after red stem plant known for its stunning, finely patterned leaves and vibrant coloration. This premium variety showcases delicate, serrated foliage with alternating shades of deep red, pink, and burgundy, giving it a “butterfly wing” appearance that instantly elevates any aquascape. Because of its striking colours and refined texture, it is often used as a focal point in high-end planted tanks.

Native to India’s warm, slow-moving waters, Rotala macrandra ‘Butterfly’ thrives in soft, clean water, high lighting, and good CO₂ injection. When given the right conditions, it grows compact and bushy, producing intense pigmentation and crisp leaf edges. This variety performs best in the midground to background, where its upright stems can be trimmed to form full, vibrant clusters.

While slightly more demanding than standard Rotala species, it rewards aquarists with unparalleled colour and leaf detail. Consistent fertilisation—especially iron—helps maintain its bright red tones and overall plant health. With proper care, Rotala macrandra ‘Butterfly’ becomes one of the most visually impressive red plants in the hobby, offering both contrast and elegance to any aquascape.