Home Freshwater Plants Rotala Rotundifolia
Rotala Rotundifolia
(Rotala rotundifolia)
• Care Level: Moderate • Lighting:Medium to High • Maximum Size: 15"
• Placement: Midground to Background • Water Conditions: 75-84° F, pH 6.0-7.5, KH 3-8
• Propagation: Cuttings • Color Forms: Green, Red, Pink
Supplements: Iron, Trace Elements, CO2 Supplementation
• Origin: Southeast Asia • Family: Lythraceae
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Native Habitat and Species Information
Rotala Rotundifolia native habitat, distribution, behavior & aquarium compatibility.
Rotala rotundifolia is native to Southeast Asia and is a fast growing species that has small leaves with light-green, pink, and red color forms. Rotala rotundifolia can be used as a beautiful mid-ground plant that will add an attractive coloration and contrast to any aquarium.
The Rotala rotundifolia plant is considered to be a fragile plant that should be excluded from environments with very active or large fish that may damage their fragile stems. Rotala rotundifolia is one of the most common aquarium plants available, though it is frequently sold in error as Rotala indica.
Aquarium Care
How to successfully keep Rotala Rotundifolia in the home aquarium.
Although the species will grow under moderate lighting, Rotala rotundifolia should be given high intensity lighting for it to really show its true colors. This species requires a moderate to high level of light at 3.5 to 5 watts per gallon provided by full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs. Low NO3 (nitrate) levels, high PO4 (phosphate) levels, with heavy, regular dosing of iron and trace elements in addition to CO2 injection, will produce intense coloration and vigorous growth.
Propagation Information
How to propagate and grow Rotala Rotundifolia.
Propagation of Rotala rotundifolia can be achieved from cuttings; simply cut the top half of a strong stem and gently replant it in the substrate after removing any leaves from the last node of the stem. The "parent" stem will quickly develop new shoots and the newly planted cutting will quickly develop a root system. Over time, this "Topping" process will develop lush, bushy plants.
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