Plant comparison
Rotala Macrandra vs Rotala Wallichii
How the Rotala Macrandra and Rotala Wallichii compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Rotala Macrandra vs Rotala Wallichii
The Rotala Macrandra and the Rotala Wallichii 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. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. 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 Macrandra22–28 °C
- Rotala Wallichii22–28 °C
pH
- Rotala Macrandra5.5–7
- Rotala Wallichii5–7
Hardness
- Rotala Macrandra2–10 dGH
- Rotala Wallichii1–8 dGH
What to plan for
- Demanding species presentRotala Macrandra, Rotala Wallichii are difficulty 4+. Stable parameters and weekly maintenance are non-negotiable.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantRotala MacrandraRotala macrandra | PlantRotala WallichiiRotala wallichii |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | India | Southeast Asia |
| Family | Lythraceae | Lythraceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.0 | 5.0–7.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–10 | 1–8 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Medium |
| Max height | 20–50 cm | 20–40 cm |
| Difficulty | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Light | High | High |
| CO₂ | Required | Required |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium to 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 Wallichii 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 Wallichii?
They sit at the same care level, both demanding, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Rotala Macrandra and Rotala Wallichii 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 Wallichii?
Placement and light. The Rotala Macrandra works as background, the Rotala Wallichii as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.