Rotala H'ra

Rotala sp. 'H'ra'

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Lythraceae

Variety of Rotala · H'ra

📍 Southeast Asia

Rotala H'ra is a popular cultivar producing small, narrow leaves that shift from green at their bases to vivid orange-red at the tips under high light, creating a stunning gradient effect in background plantings. It is less demanding than R. macrandra but rewards CO2 injection and iron dosing with exceptional coloration. Its fine texture and warm orange tones make it one of the most sought-after rotala varieties in competitive aquascaping.

Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp

Gentle algae grazers that clean plant surfaces without damaging delicate leaves; enhance nutrient cycling

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Efficient algae eaters that maintain plant health by removing biofilm and unwanted algae growth

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom feeders that consume algae without uprooting or damaging stem plants

good

Neon Tetra

Small, non-aggressive schooling fish that add visual contrast and do not disturb plant structure

excellent

Rotala Indica

Complementary stem plant with similar care requirements; creates layered background texture

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Foreground plant with contrasting fine texture; thrives under same high-light, CO2-enriched conditions

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of red coloration despite adequate light

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing; test water parameters and adjust macro/micro ratios. Ensure CO2 levels are 30-40 ppm. Perform 25-30% water changes weekly to reset nutrient baseline.

Algae Overgrowth (Green/Black Spot)

Symptoms

Green or black algae coating leaf surfaces, reduced photosynthesis, plant decline

Treatment

Reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily; increase water circulation; add algae-eating shrimp or fish. Perform manual removal and consider hydrogen peroxide spot treatment (2-3 ml per 10 gallons) if severe.

Melting (Leaf Dissolution)

Symptoms

Rapid leaf deterioration, mushy stems, plant collapse within days

Treatment

Indicates severe environmental stress (low CO2, poor lighting, or sudden parameter shifts). Increase CO2 injection, boost lighting to 120+ PAR, and perform 50% water change. Trim affected portions and allow recovery.

Slow Growth/Pale Coloration

Symptoms

Minimal stem elongation, weak orange-red coloration, small leaf size

Treatment

Verify light intensity (120-200 PAR minimum); increase CO2 to 30-40 ppm; dose all-in-one fertilizer 2-3x weekly. Check water parameters (pH 5.5-7.0, low nitrate). Allow 4-6 weeks for color recovery.