Green Rotala is one of the least-demanding Rotala species and is a thriving midground or background plant in the aquarium!
Green Rotala (Rotala rotundifolia) is a very prolific, versatile stem plant that is one of the easier "green leaf" plants to keep. The name rotundifolia" is actually something of a misnomer in describing this species. While the semi-emersed/creeping version of this plant does indeed have round leaves, its more common submersed/aquatic form has longer, pointed leaves. With moderate to high lighting, this plant will develop a great deal of pink to red coloration. It can be grown emersed or submerged, so it is an excellent plant for aquariums, vivariums, paludariums, and terrariums.
Green Rotala does not have the stringent care requirements of many of its relatives. It requires moderate to high lighting. The key to maximum coloration is a combination of high lighting, high phosphates, and low nitrates in the aquarium. Like most stem plants, this plant can be easily propagated through trimming and replanting of the cuttings. In the case of this prolific plant, regular trimming may be necessary to prevent overgrowth. CO2 supplementation is beneficial, but certainly not required for this plant.
This listing is for the tissue culture form of Green Rotala. Tissue cultures are superior to traditional forms of aquarium plants in many ways. They are produced in a completely sterile environment which eliminates the possibility of them carrying pest snails or algae spores. They have a shelf life (before introduction to the aquarium) of several months if properly maintained and they are housed in a nutrient gel until introduced to the aquarium. To introduce a tissue culture plant to the aquarium, simply rinse off as much nutrient gel as possible, then plant as usual. The nutrient gel will not harm your aquarium.
What We Like About This Plant:
- Tissue cultures contain no unwanted pest animals or algae
- Full, coloration with proper care
- Very prolific and easy to prune
- Elegant appearance
- Superb background or accent plant
Care Guidelines:
- Temperature: 70° - 86° F (21° - 30° C)
- pH: 5.5 - 7.5
- Lighting: Moderate to High, more red coloration is achieved with higher lighting, high phosphates, low nitrates, and CO2
- Origin: Lab-grown tissue culture, but indigenous to South and Southeast Asia
- Aquarium placement: Middle to Background
- Care: Moderate