Rotala Rotundifolia - IC024

Rotala rotundifolia (variants include Rotala Colorata, H’ra, Ceylon, and others) is a fast-growing stem plant that has long been a popular choice in planted aquariums. Around the year 1960, it was first introduced under the incorrect name of Rotala indica, causing widespread confusion that has persisted to this day. Here’s a description of true Rotala indica, as well as an explanation of how the names got mixed up.

It is tolerant of a wide range of water parameters and is a simple plant to grow; after a time of adjustment, it does well even in aquariums without carbon dioxide input. It can, however, develop with more density and coloration if there is enough light and CO₂.

They grow continuously towards the light as stem plants and can reach the top of even the tallest aquariums. If permitted to reach the water’s surface, it will eventually break through and produce submerged leaves and blooms. If you put stems in a tank with a lot of light and room around them, they will grow downwards and creep along the substrate. They will grow vertically more readily if planted in a more crowded place.

When in fast-growth mode, the plant branches more abundantly; when conditions are lean, the plant develops more vertically with less branching (either low CO₂ or low nutrients).

Care Tips

• To acquire decent colour, you’ll need enough light (from medium onwards).
• Excessive water parameters should be avoided (high alkalinity or uncycled tanks)