Rotala Macrandra (Detail)

Rotala Macrandra is rated as a high-light plant. High light usually means a strong planted-tank fixture, and at that intensity the plant also needs steady CO2 and regular fertilizer, otherwise the extra light mostly grows algae. CO2 is required for it, and its care difficulty is listed as expert.

Yes. CO2 injection is listed as required for Rotala Macrandra, so plan on a pressurized CO2 system rather than a low-tech setup. It is a high-light plant. For nutrients: plant in nutrient-rich aquasoil with root tabs. Keep light, CO2 and fertilizer in balance, because raising one without the others is the most common cause of algae in planted tanks.

Cut healthy stems and replant. Some species split rhizomes. When dividing a rhizome, keep several healthy leaves on each piece and plant or attach it so the rhizome itself is not buried in the substrate. New growth comes in fastest when the tank matches its needs: high light, with CO2 required.

Usually not as a first plant: Rotala Macrandra is listed at expert difficulty. It needs high light, CO2 is required, and for nutrients: plant in nutrient-rich aquasoil with root tabs. Stable light, nutrients and water changes matter more than any single product. Check these needs against your current setup before buying.