Rotala Macrandra Shimoga

Rotala Macrandra 'Shimoga' (Rotala macrandra)Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular red stem plants in the aquascaping hobby, Rotala Macrandra 'Shimoga' is a prized locality variant collected from the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India. Its broad, wavy leaves display an extraordinary depth of crimson-red to magenta colouration under high light, creating a dramatic focal point in any planted aquarium.Why Aquascapers Love It Exceptional colouration — deep crimson to magenta leaves; one of the reddest stem plants available Locality variant — 'Shimoga' form is noted for broader leaves and more intense colour than standard R. macrandra Striking texture — wavy, broad leaf margins add visual depth and contrast to aquascapes Rewarding challenge — demands high light and CO₂, but rewards with unmatched colour payoff Versatile use — excellent as a bold background or mid-ground accent in Nature Aquarium and Dutch-style layouts Care at a Glance Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced Placement: Mid-ground to Background Light: High (1+ W/L; high-PAR LED recommended) CO₂: Essential for healthy growth and peak colouration Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) pH: 5.5–7.0 | Hardness: 0–10 dGH (soft, slightly acidic water preferred) Fertilisation: Requires consistent macro and micro nutrient dosing Growth rate: Moderate Propagation: Stem cuttings — trim tops and replant to encourage bushy growth Best planted in groups of 5–7 stems for a bold splash of colour. Regular trimming promotes lateral branching and a fuller, denser appearance. Pair with green foreground plants like Hemianthus callitrichoides or Eleocharis sp. to make the red colouration truly pop.