Rotala angustifolia

Rotala narrow-leaved, English-language trade name Rotala macrandra “Narrow Leaf”. This ornamental variety is known in Europe as Rotala magenta and in the US as Rotala Macrandra ‘Florida’. A distinctive feature is the presence of elongated narrow leaves of pink color.

It is a selective, but not fully stable variety of Rotala macrandra. In some cases, a return to the original form of the plant occurs, when large wide leaf blades begin to form instead of narrow elongated leaves.

In favorable conditions, it grows quickly. The sprouts are erect, directed upwards and can reach more than 40 cm. It forms many side shoots, which often leads to excessive growth. As a result, young sprouts begin to interfere with each other. Requires regular thinning and pruning. It is worth noting that the separated stalk can be rooted and soon, having taken root, it will turn into a new independent plant.

Rotala angustifolia is slightly easier to maintain than the demanding Rotala macrandra. For healthy growth it is necessary to provide a high degree of illumination, additional introduction of carbon dioxide during the daytime, nutrient soil and maintenance of nitrate and phosphate concentrations at 5–15 mg/l and 1–2 mg/l, respectively. Phosphates, along with iron, directly affect leaf color. The lack of these elements leads to a loss of color, and iron deficiency can even cause the death of the plant.