Rotala Macrandra ‘green’ AP011

Rotala macrandra ‘Green’ is a small, delicate variation of the species R. macrandra that is quite easy to grow. R. macrandra “Wavy” is the name given to it. The leaves are smaller, longer, and greener than in the ordinary version of R. macrandra. They can become wide ovoid and take on lovely reddish tones when exposed to bright light. Trimming the stems promotes a bushy growth pattern. Rotala macrandra ‘Green’ will sprout stems with roundish, green, shiny leaves and flower spikes with whitish flowers if allowed to reach the water’s surface.

Rotala macrandra ‘Green’ is a little R. macrandra cultivar that is nearly identical to the plant that has recently acquired popularity in Germany under the name R. macrandra “Wavy.”

The fact that it looks so varied depending on the environment in which it develops is a stunning feature of this plant. It has a “normal” habit with longish, light green leaves and reddish stems when exposed to moderate light. After that, the leaf edges are sawed and the leaf tip is obtuse.

However, when exposed to more intense light, the leaves turn a reddish colour, and shoots emerge with leaf shapes ranging from ovate to circular with a smooth edge. This change is highly stable, and a layperson may readily conclude that this plant is of a completely different variety.

Care Tips

• High-intensity lights, no shade, and high CO₂ input are all required.
• Individual stems must be spaced far enough apart to allow enough light to reach the bottom leaves.

Placement: Background and Midground