Rotala Bossii

Rotala sp. 'Bossii'

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Myrtales›Lythraceae

📍 Southeast Asia

Delicate rotala with needle-fine leaves that develop intense red colouration. Demanding but one of the finest textured stem plants available.

Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp

Gentle grazers that won't damage delicate foliage and help control algae on leaves

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp that efficiently remove algae without harming fine-leaved plants

excellent

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae-eaters that won't uproot or damage stem plants

good

Rotala Rotundifolia

Companion stem plant with similar care requirements and complementary growth patterns

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, non-aggressive fish that provide visual contrast without disturbing plants

good

Dwarf Hairgrass

Foreground plant with identical high-light and CO2 requirements for cohesive aquascaping

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Micronutrients)

Symptoms

Yellowing of new leaves, pale coloration, stunted growth, loss of red pigmentation

Treatment

Increase liquid fertilizer dosing, particularly iron supplements; verify CO2 levels are adequate (30-40 ppm); perform 25% water changes weekly to reset nutrient balance

Algae Overgrowth (Black Beard/Brush Algae)

Symptoms

Dark filamentous or brush-like algae coating stems and leaves, reduced light penetration

Treatment

Reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours daily temporarily; increase water circulation; add algae-eating shrimp; manually remove affected stems; ensure CO2 and nutrient levels are balanced

Melting/Tissue Necrosis

Symptoms

Rapid leaf loss, browning of stems, plant collapse within days to weeks

Treatment

Check and stabilize water parameters (temperature, pH, hardness); verify CO2 injection is functioning; increase fertilizer dosing; perform 50% water change; trim affected portions and allow recovery

Poor Coloration/Bleaching

Symptoms

Loss of red pigmentation, pale or greenish appearance despite adequate growth

Treatment

Increase lighting intensity to 8-10 hours daily; boost iron and trace element supplementation; ensure CO2 levels are 30-40 ppm; verify phosphate and potassium are not limiting