Rotala Wallichii

Name

• Scientific Name: Rotala wallichii

• Common Names: Rotala Wallichii, Whorled Rotala

Characteristics

• Appearance: Features ultra-fine, needle-like whorled leaves along upright stems. Under optimal conditions, the growth tips turn vibrant magenta, bright pink, or golden red.

• Size & Placement: Grows 4–12+ inches (10–30+ cm) tall; best planted in dense background or midground groups to create soft, textured color contrasts.

• Care Level: Advanced—demands soft, acidic water, stable nutrients, and precise light levels to avoid stunted growth tips or leaf melting.

• Sensitivity: Highly sensitive to hard water (high GH/KH) and nitrate overload. Requires generous iron dosing for vibrant red coloration.

Temperature

• Ideal Range: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)

• Note: Prefers warm, stable tropical conditions.

Lighting

• Requirement: High to Very High

• Note: Requires strong light to maintain intense pink and red pigments. Low light results in dull green stems and sparse, leggy leaf growth.

CO2: Not Required.

Propagation

• Method: Stem Cuttings

• How it works:

  1. Trim the top 3–4 inches of a healthy stem using sharp aquascaping scissors.

  2. Strip the bottom-most needle leaves to expose a clean stem node.

  3. Replant the cutting directly into a soft, nutrient-rich soil substrate.

  4. The original trimmed stem will branch out into multiple new side shoots, creating a bushier cluster.