Plant comparison
Rotala Macrandra vs Rotala Rotundifolia
How the Rotala Macrandra and Rotala Rotundifolia compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Rotala Macrandra vs Rotala Rotundifolia
The Rotala Macrandra and the Rotala Rotundifolia 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 Rotundifolia is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Rotala Macrandra rewards a bit more attention. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Rotala Rotundifolia is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
1 note
Temperature
- Rotala Macrandra22–28 °C
- Rotala Rotundifolia22–28 °C
pH
- Rotala Macrandra5.5–7
- Rotala Rotundifolia5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Rotala Macrandra2–10 dGH
- Rotala Rotundifolia2–12 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 MacrandraRotala macrandra |  PlantRotala RotundifoliaRotala rotundifolia |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | India | Southeast Asia |
| Family | Lythraceae | Lythraceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.0 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–10 | 2–12 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 20–50 cm | 30–60 cm |
| Difficulty | 4 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | High | Low to High |
| CO₂ | Required | Optional to Recommended |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Rotala Macrandra and Rotala Rotundifolia 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 Macrandra or the Rotala Rotundifolia?
The Rotala Rotundifolia is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Rotala Macrandra leans demanding.
Do Rotala Macrandra and Rotala Rotundifolia 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 Macrandra and the Rotala Rotundifolia?
Placement and light. The Rotala Macrandra works as background, the Rotala Rotundifolia as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.