Rotala Rotundifolia-Emersed

Introduction: Rotala rotundifolia is a versatile and popular aquatic plant known for its small, rounded leaves and vibrant green to pink coloration. In its emersed form, the plant grows above water, developing more rounded and robust leaves compared to its submerged state. It is often used in paludariums and aquariums where plants can grow both underwater and emersed.

Origin: Rotala rotundifolia is native to Southeast Asia, where it grows along the edges of ponds, rivers, and marshes. It thrives in tropical, humid environments and is widely distributed across Asia.

Scientific Name: The scientific name of this plant is Rotala rotundifolia.

Lighting Requirements: Rotala rotundifolia in its emersed form requires moderate to high lighting to maintain its vibrant green color. Providing 8 to 12 hours of light per day ensures healthy growth. Higher light intensity may encourage the tips of the plant to turn pink or red, enhancing its visual appeal.

Care Level: With a care level of 4 on a scale of 1 to 10, Rotala rotundifolia is relatively easy to grow emersed. It adapts well to different lighting conditions and requires moderate maintenance, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced plant keepers.

Preferred Water Parameters: For optimal emersed growth, Rotala rotundifolia prefers high humidity and moist conditions. However, when it is used in an aquarium setup where it is transitioning to submerged form, the following parameters are ideal:

• Temperature: 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C)
• pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
• GH Level (General Hardness): 2 to 12 dGH
• KH Level (Carbonate Hardness): 2 to 8 dKH

Placement: In its emersed form, Rotala rotundifolia can be grown in paludariums, terrariums, or the exposed areas of aquariums with shallow water. It serves as an excellent background plant or border plant in humid environments. If transitioned to submerged conditions, it works well as a background or midground plant in aquascaping.

Growth Rate: Rotala rotundifolia has a fast growth rate under optimal conditions. Regular trimming may be required to maintain its compact shape and prevent overgrowth, especially in humid setups where it grows quickly.

CO2 and Fertiliser: Although CO2 supplementation is not necessary for emersed growth, it can enhance the plant’s development in submerged conditions. Regular fertilization with micronutrients is recommended for both emersed and submerged growth to promote healthy leaf development and vibrant colors.

Potential Problems: Common issues with Rotala rotundifolia include:

• Drying Out: When grown emersed, this plant requires high humidity. Without adequate moisture, the leaves may dry out and wither.
• Transition Issues: When moving from emersed to submerged conditions, some leaves may melt or fall off as the plant adapts.

Compatible Fishes: In a setup where Rotala rotundifolia transitions between emersed and submerged states, it pairs well with peaceful fish species, such as:

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Gouramis
• Shrimp (e.g., Amano Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp)

Other Suitable Plants: Rotala rotundifolia complements a variety of plants in emersed or submerged environments. Suitable companion plants include:

• Java Moss for its creeping, carpet-like growth.
• Anubias for contrasting leaf shapes and slow growth.
• Cryptocoryne species for background or midground placement.
• Bucephalandra for adding texture and color contrast.

Tropical or Cold Water? Rotala rotundifolia thrives in tropical water conditions, especially when transitioning from emersed to submerged. A stable temperature range between 70°F and 82°F (21°C to 28°C) is ideal.

What Fish Can Eat It? Most fish species do not consume Rotala rotundifolia, making it a safe plant for aquariums with plant-eating fish.

A Fun Fact: Rotala rotundifolia is highly adaptive and can grow both emersed and submerged. In its emersed form, the leaves are more rounded and thicker, while in submerged conditions, the leaves become longer and narrower, often displaying a change in color depending on light intensity. This flexibility makes it a favorite for aquascapers who enjoy creating dynamic, natural environments.