Create Stunning Color Gradients in Your Aquascape
Rotala macrandra 'Butterfly' is one of the most visually striking aquarium plants available, prized for its extraordinary color transitions and delicate beauty. The slender stems showcase vibrant leaves that shift from green to pink and red, often with a distinctive yellowish center that creates the signature butterfly-wing effect this variety is named for.
Portion Size: 3-5 stems
Key Features
- Spectacular Coloration: Displays mesmerizing color gradients from green to pink and red with yellow highlights, creating a butterfly-like appearance
- Premium Aesthetic: One of the most sought-after Rotala varieties for high-end nature aquascapes
- Vertical Interest: Ideal for midground to background placement, adding height and color depth
- Delicate Structure: Fine, graceful leaves create beautiful texture and movement in the water
Care Requirements
Rotala macrandra 'Butterfly' is a demanding plant that rewards dedicated care with unparalleled beauty:
- High lighting essential (1+ watts per liter recommended)
- CO2 injection required for optimal coloration and growth
- Nutrient-rich substrate with regular fertilization (iron and micronutrients crucial)
- Temperature range: 22-28°C
- pH: 5.5-7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)
- Soft to moderately hard water
Aquascaping Tips
Plant in groups of 5-10 stems to create stunning color masses. Position in areas receiving strong, direct light to maximize the pink and red hues. Regular trimming promotes bushier growth and prevents leggy stems. This plant responds dramatically to nutrient levels—consistent fertilization brings out the most vibrant butterfly coloration. Best used as a focal point or accent plant in Dutch-style or nature aquascapes.
Difficulty Level: Advanced - Requires high-tech setup with CO2, strong lighting, and consistent nutrient management. Perfect for experienced aquascapers seeking premium color.
View full Shipping Policy: /policies/shipping-policy
All live plants are shipped express via Australia Post to ensure they arrive fresh and healthy, even if you select standard shipping at checkout.
Other products ship via Australia Post or Sendle. Note: Sendle may experience occasional delays.
Typical delivery: WA 1-2 days | Interstate 2-4 days
Dispatch: 1-2 business days
Questions? accounts@schoolofscape.com.au
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FAQs
Most stem plants come in bunches of 4-6 stems. Thicker-stemmed species typically come in portions of 2-3 stems. Mosses and some carpet plants are supplied as 5x5cm portions. Exact portion details are listed in the product description for each plant.
All live plants are shipped express via Australia Post to ensure they arrive fresh and healthy. We carefully package plants to protect them during transit, even if you select standard shipping at checkout
We guarantee your plants will arrive healthy. If they don't, contact us within 24 hours of delivery with photos, and we'll replace or refund them. See our Refund Policy for details.
CO2 requirements vary by species. Check the Care Information tab for this specific plant. Many of our plants can thrive without CO2, though growth may be slower.
Most of our aquarium plants are grown submerged (underwater), which means they adapt faster to your tank and are less likely to melt. This gives you stronger roots and instant success. The exception is our terrarium plants, which are grown emersed (above water)
Due to the perishable nature of live plants, we cannot accept change-of-mind returns once dispatched. However, our 24-hour arrival guarantee covers any plants that arrive in poor condition.
Orders typically dispatch within 1-2 business days. Delivery times are 1-2 days for WA and 2-4 days for interstate. All plants ship express for freshness.