Hardiness: Easy
Light Needs: Medium
Plant Structure: Stem
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Rotala
Region: Asia
Growth Rate: Fast
Can Be Grown Emersed: Yes
Description
The Latin name Rotala rotundifolia,means ”the plant with the round leaves”. But this only applies to the emersed growth, which has circular leaves. In aquariums Rotala rotundifolia has long, thin leaves. Unlike other Rotala species it is relatively undemanding, although it needs good light to produce red leaves. It forms side shoots willingly, becoming compact and bushy. This also means that it is hard for light to reach the lower leaves, so the plant should be pruned frequently.
Lighting: Will do well under medium lighting, but will grow mostly green. Under higher lighting, about three watts per gallon of flourescent light, this rotala species will grow pink and less leggy.
Propagation: Cuttings longer than three or four inches are best to ensure it an easy transition.
Care: Rotala rotundifolia is not picky, unlike some other Rotala species, and doesn’t need the high tech setup to grow well. However to get its best growth and color, high light, CO2, and a good fertilizer schedule will help.
