Rotala Macranda Shimoga (Pot)

The Rotala Macranda Shimoga (Pot) is an excellent background plant for planted aquariums.

Key Features

• Tall-growing aquatic plant ideal for the rear of the tank
• Creates a lush backdrop and natural depth in aquascapes
• Helps absorb excess nutrients and maintain water quality

Rotala Macrandra ‘Shimoga’ Care in Singapore Tanks

Rotala macrandra ‘Shimoga’ is a demanding red stem, and we are upfront with customers that it rewards a well-run tank rather than a casual one. To hold its warm reddish colour it needs strong light, stable CO2, and a steady supply of micronutrients, especially iron. In Singapore the practical hurdle is heat: macrandra prefers cooler water, and our 27-29C ambient can soften the colour or slow growth, so the most committed reds-keepers here run a chiller for this group of plants.

Our pots are grown emersed, so plant the stems with a little spacing and expect the first submerged leaves to look pale before the colour deepens. Keep nutrient and CO2 levels consistent day to day, because macrandra sulks and drops lower leaves when conditions swing. Trim the tops and replant them rather than letting tall stems shade the base, which keeps a tidy, full background bush.

See more background plants, and lean on our red-plant aquascape guide, the iron dosing guide, and our CO2 guide to keep this red stem at its best.