Description
Rotala Rotundifolia
Price per stem, grown submerged.
Overview
Rotala rotundifolia, commonly known as Dwarf Rotala or Roundleaf Rotala, is a versatile and popular aquatic plant native to Southeast Asia. It’s prized in the aquarium trade for its vibrant green to reddish-pink foliage, depending on lighting and nutrient conditions, and its ability to add aesthetic depth to aquascapes. This stem plant grows in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced aquarists. It’s often used in the midground or background of aquariums due to its upright growth and bushy appearance when well-maintained.
Care Requirements
Lighting: Moderate to high lighting (30–50 µmol PAR for low-tech setups, higher for vibrant colouration). Strong lighting encourages compact growth and pinkish-red hues.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 20–28°C
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dKH)
Substrate:
Nutrient-rich substrate (e.g., aquasoil) is ideal but not mandatory; it can grow in gravel or sand with root tabs or liquid fertilizers.
Nutrients:
Requires consistent macro (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micro (iron, trace elements) nutrients.
CO2:
CO2 injection enhances growth but isn’t strictly necessary for low-tech tanks.
Tank Requirements:
Suitable for nano to large tanks (minimum 40 litres for stable parameters).
Planting and Propagation
Planting: Planting: Trim stems to 10-15cm and plant individually or in small groups, burying the bottom 2-5cm in the substrate. Space stems 1–2 cm apart to allow light penetration and prevent rot.
Propagation: Simple and rapid via stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem above a node, remove lower leaves, and replant the cutting. The parent stem will sprout new shoots. Side shoots can also be trimmed and replanted. Moderate to fast under optimal conditions, growing 2-5cm per week.
Maintenance
- Trimming: Regular pruning is essential to maintain shape and prevent leggy growth. Trim the top of stems and replant for a bushier look or remove lower leaves to expose stems for a cleaner aesthetic.
- Cleaning: Remove dead or decaying leaves to prevent algae and maintain water quality.
Fertilization: Dose liquid fertilizers weekly or use root tabs monthly in nutrient-poor substrates. Monitor for nutrient deficiencies (e.g., yellowing leaves indicate nitrogen deficiency; pale leaves suggest iron deficiency). - Water Changes: Perform 20–30% water changes weekly to maintain stable parameters and reduce algae risk.
Challenges and Tips
Challenges:
- Algae Growth: High light and nutrient imbalances can lead to algae on leaves. Reduce light duration (8–10 hours max) and ensure balanced fertilization.
- Melting: New plants may melt during acclimation due to parameter shifts. Gradually introduce to tank conditions and ensure stable parameters.
- Leggy Growth: Insufficient light causes stretched, sparse growth. Increase light intensity or lower the plant’s position in the tank.
- Pest Infestation: Snails or fish may nibble on soft leaves. Quarantine new plants and monitor tank inhabitants.
Tips:
- Use tweezers for precise planting to avoid damaging delicate stems.
- Pair with fish like tetras or rasboras, which don’t typically disturb plants.
- Experiment with CO2 injection to enhance colour and growth rate in high-tech setups.
- Transition slowly when moving plants from emersed to submersed growth to minimize melting.
Recommendation
- Aquascaping: Ideal for creating dense backgrounds or midground bushes in Dutch-style or nature aquariums. Pair with contrasting plants like Anubias or Cryptocoryne for texture variety.
- Tank Setup: Best in tanks with stable parameters and moderate flow to prevent debris buildup on leaves. Avoid overly aggressive fish (e.g., cichlids) that may uproot or eat the plant.
- Beginner-Friendly: Its adaptability makes it a great choice for new aquarists, though optimal results require attention to lighting and nutrients.