Daftar Isi Show
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Genus | Rotala |
| Species | Rotala macrandra |
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Origin | South Asia and Southeast Asia (India and surrounding regions) |
| Common Name | Rotala macrandra ‘Yerabje’ |
| Light Requirement | High (±120–250 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ / PAR) |
| Optimal Temperature | 22–28 °C |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast |
| Placement | Background – Midground |
| Plant Height | 20–50 cm |
| Ideal pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Water Hardness | GH 1–8 dGH; KH 0–3 dKH |
| CO₂ Requirement | High |
| Propagation | Stem cutting |
Additional Information
Rotala macrandra ‘Yerabje’ is a cultivar variety of Rotala macrandra renowned for displaying intense red to deep crimson foliage under high lighting conditions. Leaves are oval to nearly rounded in shape, arranged in opposite pairs along relatively delicate and fine stems. Under optimal growing parameters, internodal spacing remains short, yielding a dense and highly decorative bushy habit.
In aquascape design, this plant is utilized as a background or tall midground species to deliver a vivid red color accent that contrasts sharply against green foliage. Its visual characteristics are strongly governed by light intensity, carbon availability, and overall nutrient stability.
In general, the parent species Rotala macrandra originates from shallow aquatic habitats characterized by high light levels and soft water parameters. Consequently, Rotala macrandra ‘Yerabje’ delivers its best aesthetic performance in high-tech aquascapes governed by strict parameter management.
Care and Requirements
Growth Characteristics
Rotala macrandra ‘Yerabje’ grows in a vertical pattern while producing lateral branches when routinely pruned. Cutting the top shoots encourages side shoot development, resulting in a significantly bushier cluster. The plant responds dynamically to strong illumination and carbon delivery, demonstrating noticeable improvements in leaf color and size when optimal parameters are provided.
Lighting
Lighting requirements fall into the high category, with a realistic optimal PAR range between 120 and 250 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ at leaf level. Under low to medium light intensity, growth continues but the deep red pigmentation fades toward orange or reddish-green, accompanied by elongated internodes. High light produces saturated red coloration, tighter leaf arrangement, and a compact stem structure.
CO₂ and Carbon
Carbon demand is classified as high. While the plant can survive without injected CO₂, growth slows down, color saturation remains poor, and the risk of leaf deformation increases significantly. In high-tech systems with stable CO₂ injection, the plant exhibits dense growth, larger leaf blades, and consistent deep red coloration.
Nutrition
This cultivar has relatively high nutrient demands. Maintaining a balanced supply of macronutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—along with micronutrients like iron and trace elements is essential for sustaining red hues and preventing chlorosis. Nutrient imbalances frequently lead to perforated leaves, shoot tip deformities, or stunted growth rates.
Water Parameters
Rotala macrandra ‘Yerabje’ performs best in soft, slightly acidic water conditions. Recommended guidelines include an ideal pH range of 5.5 to 7.0, a general hardness of 1 to 8 dGH, and a low carbonate hardness of 0 to 3 dKH. Parameter stability is far more critical than targeting precise numbers, as drastic fluctuations can cause physiological stress and lower leaf shedding.
Substrate
An active nutrient soil or an inert substrate supported by water column fertilization will both suit this plant. The root system of Rotala macrandra is relatively fine, but a nutrient-rich substrate aids initial establishment and supports overall stem vitality. A stable substrate bed also helps anchor the plant securely in aquascapes with moderate water movement.
Propagation
Propagation is accomplished through standard stem cuttings. Top shoots can be trimmed and replanted directly into the substrate, while the remaining lower stems will sprout new lateral branches. This trimming method is routinely applied to build dense bushes and maintain structured compositions within the aquascape.
Conclusion
Rotala macrandra ‘Yerabje’ is a demanding aquatic stem plant that requires high light intensity and robust carbon injection. It is best suited for high-tech setups maintained under consistent water parameters and nutrient dosing. Aesthetically, this variety provides a prized, intense red accent that adds striking color contrast and visual depth to background and midground zones in professional aquascapes.
