Rotala Indica

Rotala indica

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Lythraceae

📍 South Asia

Rotala Indica is an easy-going stem plant with small, oval leaves that display a pleasing pink to light-red coloration on their undersides even under moderate light — making it one of the few rotala species that beginners can achieve colour from without high-intensity lighting. It grows upright with a delicate, feathery texture and is often used as a softer alternative to R. rotundifolia in low-tech setups.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage plant tissue and help maintain tank cleanliness

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small, non-destructive shrimp that thrive in planted tanks and add visual interest

excellent

Neon Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or consume plants; ideal for low-tech setups

excellent

Otocinclus

Gentle algae-eating fish that respect plant structure and prefer planted environments

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Complementary foreground plant that creates layered aquascaping with Rotala Indica's background placement

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy companion plant with contrasting leaf shape and growth rate; both thrive in moderate light

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Nitrogen/Iron)

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of red coloration on undersides

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing with all-in-one formulas or macronutrient supplements; ensure consistent weekly fertilization and adequate lighting

Algae Overgrowth (Green Spot/Hair Algae)

Symptoms

Green spots on leaves, hair-like algae coating stems, reduced plant vigor

Treatment

Reduce photoperiod to 8–10 hours daily, increase water changes (30–50% weekly), add algae-eating shrimp or fish, and maintain nutrient balance to prevent excess phosphate

Melting (Leaf Decay)

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, and disintegrate; typically occurs after major water parameter changes

Treatment

Maintain stable pH (6.0–7.5), temperature (22–28°C), and gradual acclimation; remove affected leaves and ensure adequate water circulation and lighting

Slow Growth / Stunting

Symptoms

Minimal new leaf development, pale coloration, weak stems

Treatment

Verify lighting meets 50–120 PAR minimum, increase fertilizer frequency, check water parameters (especially nitrate <25 ppm), and consider adding CO2 supplementation