Rotala Rotundifolia
Rotala rotundifolia
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Myrtales›Lythraceae
📍 Southeast Asia
Rotala rotundifolia is a classic stem plant for the background and upper midground of aquascapes, producing pink to reddish tones under high light and elevated CO2. Regular pruning encourages bushy side-shoot growth. Under low light the stems grow leggy and remain green.
Community Photos
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by @karleenmendoza
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 5 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Rotala Rotundifolia.
Compatible Livestock
Shrimp do not damage plants and help control algae; they thrive in the same nutrient-rich, planted environment
Excellent algae control without harming plants; prefer similar water parameters and planted tanks
Small, peaceful fish that won't uproot or consume plants; add gentle movement to the aquascape
Algae-eating fish that graze on plant surfaces without damaging healthy stems; prefer planted tanks
Complementary foreground plant with similar nutrient and light requirements; creates layered aquascape
Low-light companion plant that can be placed in shaded areas beneath Rotala; adds structural variety
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Nitrogen/Iron)
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration despite adequate light
Increase fertilizer dosing; use all-in-one liquid fertilizers or add macronutrient supplements; ensure CO2 levels are adequate
Algae Overgrowth (Green Spot/Hair Algae)
Green spots on leaves, hair-like algae coating stems, reduced plant vigor
Improve water circulation, reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily, increase CO2, add algae-eating shrimp or fish, perform regular water changes
Melting (Tissue Degradation)
Leaves become translucent, stems soften and decay, plant appears to dissolve
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, ensure stable temperature (22-28°C), increase CO2 and light gradually, remove dead tissue promptly
Calcium/Magnesium Deficiency
Distorted new growth, weak stems, poor coloration development
Add comprehensive fertilizer containing calcium and magnesium; test water hardness and adjust if below 2 dGH
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Recommended
- light
- High (100–200 PAR for red colouration)
- placement
- Background / upper midground
- substrate
- Aquasoil or nutrient-rich substrate
- growth rate
- Fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)