Plant comparison
Rotala 'H'ra' vs Rotala Macrandra
How the Rotala 'H'ra' and Rotala Macrandra compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Rotala 'H'ra' vs Rotala Macrandra
The Rotala 'H'ra' and the Rotala Macrandra are close cousins, both in the Rotala group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7, so a single tank can suit either one. The Rotala 'H'ra' is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Rotala Macrandra rewards a bit more attention. Read the full care notes on each below and pick the one whose look and pace fit the tank you're building.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
1 note
Temperature
- Rotala 'H'ra'22–28 °C
- Rotala Macrandra22–28 °C
pH
- Rotala 'H'ra'5.5–7.5
- Rotala Macrandra5.5–7
Hardness
- Rotala 'H'ra'2–12 dGH
- Rotala Macrandra2–10 dGH
What to plan for
- Demanding species presentRotala Macrandra are difficulty 4+. Stable parameters and weekly maintenance are non-negotiable.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantRotala 'H'ra'Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' |  PlantRotala MacrandraRotala macrandra |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Selectively bred cultivar (Vietnam origin) | India |
| Family | Lythraceae | Lythraceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–12 | 2–10 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 20–50 cm | 20–50 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Light | Medium to High | High |
| CO₂ | Recommended | Required |
| Growth rate | Fast | Medium |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Rotala 'H'ra' and Rotala Macrandra together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Rotala 'H'ra' or the Rotala Macrandra?
The Rotala 'H'ra' is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Rotala Macrandra leans demanding.
Do Rotala 'H'ra' and Rotala Macrandra need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Rotala 'H'ra' and the Rotala Macrandra?
Placement and light. The Rotala 'H'ra' works as midground or background, the Rotala Macrandra as background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.