Rotala is a popular aquarium plant with a striking color spectrum, ranging from fresh green to bright red. Its graceful stems and delicate leaves make Rotala ideal for vibrant aquascapes, especially in high-tech aquariums with good lighting.
📚 Table of Contents
- What is Rotala?
- Popular Types
- Care and Growth
- Pruning & Propagation
- Application in Aquascaping
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
🌱 What is Rotala?
Rotala is a genus of aquatic plants native to Asia. In aquariums, they are known for their compact growth and vibrant colors, especially under strong lighting and good nutrition. Rotala tends to grow quickly and should be pruned regularly to form bushy clumps.
🌸 Popular Rotala Varieties
| Kind | Colour | Height | Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotala rotundifolia | Green to red (depending on light) | 20–50 cm | Easy |
| Rotala bossi | Light green | 5-15 cm | Easy |
| Rotala wallichii | Fine, reddish | 20–40 cm | Average |
| Rotala colorata | Bright red, broad leaf | 20–35 cm | Average |
💧 Care and Growth
- Light: Moderate to strong
- Temperature: 22–28°C
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- CO₂: Recommended for best results
- Diet: Regular liquid food and iron
Under strong lighting and CO₂ injection, many Rotala varieties show more intense red colours.
✂️ Pruning & Propagation
Rotala grows quickly and should be pruned regularly to maintain a compact, dense shape. Prune above a leaf node and replant the cut top in the ground – this encourages new side branches and fuller growth.
🎨Application in Aquascaping
Rotala is often used in the middle or background of aquariums, where it provides color and structure. In Dutch-style aquariums, Rotala species are often placed in neat rows because of their vertical growth pattern and vibrant colors.
- Shades of red (such as colorata) for striking color accents
- Combine with evergreen plants such as Anubias or Cryptocoryne
- Ideal for high-tech tanks with lots of light
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Rotala stay green instead of red?
Stronger light, more CO₂ and sufficient iron can improve colour intensity.
Can I keep Rotala without CO₂?
Yes, especially rotundifolia and bossi, although the colours will be less intense.
How do I prevent Rotala from floating?
Plant the stems deep enough in the soil and use sufficient substrate.
✅ Conclusion
Rotala is a versatile stem plant that adds a colorful touch to any aquarium. From easy-to-care-for varieties to more demanding ones, Rotala offers something for every aquarist. With the right care, this plant will literally and figuratively flourish in your underwater world.
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