Rotala Rotundifolia – Live Aquarium Plant

Introduction: Rotala Rotundifolia is a popular and striking aquarium plant known for its vibrant green to reddish foliage. This versatile plant can be used to create beautiful aquascapes, adding depth and color to your underwater landscape. Its bushy growth habit and ability to thrive in various conditions make it a favorite among aquarists.

Origin: Rotala Rotundifolia is native to Southeast Asia, specifically found in regions like Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of India. It typically grows in freshwater environments, often in slow-moving waters or marshes.

Scientific Name: Rotala rotundifolia

Lighting Requirements: To achieve the best growth and vibrant coloration, Rotala Rotundifolia requires moderate to high lighting. Ideally, it should receive 10 to 12 hours of light per day. Higher light levels encourage denser growth and promote the development of its reddish hues.

Care Level: With a care level of 5 on a scale of 1 to 10, Rotala Rotundifolia is relatively easy to care for but does require consistent maintenance, particularly regarding trimming and lighting.

Preferred Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
• pH Level: 5.5 to 7.5
• GH Level (General Hardness): 3 to 8 dGH
• KH Level (Carbonate Hardness): 1 to 5 dKH

Placement: Rotala Rotundifolia is best suited for the midground to background of your aquarium due to its potential height of up to 30 cm (12 inches). When planted densely, it can create a lush backdrop or act as a focal point in your aquascape.

Growth Rate: This plant has a moderate to fast growth rate, especially in optimal lighting and nutrient conditions. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.

CO2 and Fertilizer:

• CO2 Supplementation: While not strictly necessary, adding CO2 will significantly boost growth and enhance the color of the leaves.
• Fertilizer: Regular liquid fertilization with a focus on nitrogen and potassium will support healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Potential Problems:

• Algae Growth: Insufficient lighting or nutrient imbalances can lead to algae growth on the leaves.
• Leggy Growth: In low light conditions, Rotala may become leggy as it stretches toward the light, resulting in sparse foliage.

Compatible Fishes: Rotala Rotundifolia is compatible with a variety of peaceful fish species, including:

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Gouramis
• Small Cichlids
• Shrimp

Other Suitable Plants:

To create an aesthetically pleasing aquascape, consider pairing Rotala Rotundifolia with:

• Java Fern
• Anubias
• Cryptocoryne
• Ludwigia

Tropical or Cold Water? Rotala Rotundifolia thrives in tropical water conditions, preferring stable temperatures between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C).

What Fish Can Eat It? While some herbivorous fish may nibble on Rotala, it is generally not a preferred food source for most aquarium fish, making it a safe choice for your tank.

A Fun Fact: Rotala Rotundifolia is often used in aquascaping competitions due to its striking appearance and adaptability. It can exhibit beautiful shades of red and pink under high light conditions, making it a fantastic choice for creating eye-catching displays in any aquarium setup!