Rotala Rotundifolia

Rotala rotundifolia is one of the most popular, adaptable, and rewarding freshwater aquarium stem plants available. Celebrated for its delicate appearance and capacity to form lush, colorful clusters, it is a favorite for aquascapers of all experience levels.

Quick Plant Facts

• Origin: Southeast Asia (including China, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand)

• Position: Midground to Background

• Growth Speed: Fast

• Maximum Height: 12+ inches (will reach the water surface if unpruned)

• Care Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Ideal Water Parameters

• Temperature: 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C)

• pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3 to 8 dKH)

Essential Care Needs

1. Lighting (Moderate to High)

• This plant needs moderate to high light levels to stay compact and bushy.

• In low-light setups, stems will stretch out sparsely ("leggy growth") and lower leaves may drop off due to insufficient light penetration.

2. Coloration and CO2

• Colors: While naturally bright green under standard conditions, intense lighting and specific high-light variants can produce stunning tones of pink, orange, and deep red.

• CO2 Injection: Not required.

3. Substrate and Nutrients

• It thrives in nutrient-rich aquasoil or when supported by root tabs, taking in nutrients via both its roots and water-column leaves.

• Dosing a complete liquid fertilizer containing iron and micronutrients will keep the foliage healthy and brightly colored.

Planting and Propagation

• How to Plant: Separate the individual stems and insert them into the substrate using aquascaping tweezers, leaving about half an inch to an inch of space between each. Avoid crowding them so lower leaves stay exposed to light.

• Propagation: Easily propagated by trimming the top few inches of a healthy stem and replanting the cutting into the substrate. The remaining parent stem will branch out with multiple new side shoots just below the cut, resulting in a much bushier plant.

• Emersed Growth: If left to grow above the waterline, Rotala rotundifolia transitions into an emersed growth form featuring rounder leaves and small pink or purple flowers.