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Rotala Indica
Rotala indica
Also known as Indian Toothcup
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Myrtales›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.
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Compatible Livestock
Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage plant tissue and help maintain tank cleanliness
Small, non-destructive shrimp that thrive in planted tanks and add visual interest
Peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or consume plants; ideal for low-tech setups
Gentle algae-eating fish that respect plant structure and prefer planted environments
Complementary foreground plant that creates layered aquascaping with Rotala Indica's background placement
Hardy companion plant with contrasting leaf shape and growth rate; both thrive in moderate light
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Nitrogen/Iron)
Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of red coloration on undersides
Increase fertilizer dosing with all-in-one formulas or macronutrient supplements; ensure consistent weekly fertilization and adequate lighting
Algae Overgrowth (Green Spot/Hair Algae)
Green spots on leaves, hair-like algae coating stems, reduced plant vigor
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)
Leaves become translucent, mushy, and disintegrate; typically occurs after major water parameter changes
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
Minimal new leaf development, pale coloration, weak stems
Verify lighting meets 50–120 PAR minimum, increase fertilizer frequency, check water parameters (especially nitrate <25 ppm), and consider adding CO2 supplementation
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Beneficial but not essential
- light
- Medium (50–120 PAR)
- placement
- Background
- substrate
- Aquasoil or nutrient-rich substrate
- growth rate
- Moderate to fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- nitrate
- <25 ppm
- hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.