Family Name: Lythraceae

About This Plant

Rotala rotundifolia is, without doubt, the most versatile of the Rotala species, as well as the the easiest to grow. While more demanding varieties have been developed in recent years, the type that we grow at Florida Aquatic Nurseries is vigorous, undemanding, and beautiful. It will grow even in moderate light without supplemental CO2. Under those conditions, it is likely to get taller, with more space between the leaves, and remain greener, without so much rosy color on the tops. Under better conditions, with good light, supplemental CO2 and regular feeding, Rotala rotundifolia is a very rewarding plant. It responds well to heavy trimming, by becoming a dense, full bush with lovely bronze and pink tones. This plant used to be sold, erroneously, under the name Rotala indica , which is a completely different species.

About the Rotala Genus

Family — Lythraceae

Rotala are slender stem plants in the Lythraceae family, used as background fillers and color accents. Most species respond dramatically to light intensity, expressing yellow, orange, pink, or red tones under high light and CO2 enrichment.

Quick-Reference Details

Common name

Family Name: Lythraceae

Scientific name

Rotala Rotundifolia

Family

Lythraceae

Native to

Wide spread in Asia

Difficulty

Advanced

Requirements

Undemanding, but responds best to good growth conditions

Lighting

Moderate to high

Growth rate

Fast

Growth form

Stem

Placement

Mid to background, needs regular trimming

True aquatic

Yes

Available as

Bunch

Aquascaping & Placement

Place in the midground between foreground carpets and tall background stems. The structure adds visual depth and shelters small fish and shrimp. Trim and replant the tops every 3-4 weeks. The new growth tips hold the best color and form, while lower stems eventually need replacing.

Tank-Mate Compatibility

Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.

Pro Tips for Growing Family Name: Lythraceae

• 1Top-prune (cut and replant tops) to maintain color — the new growth tips hold the strongest color.
• 2More light + CO2 = more red. Without those, expect a green or peach-pink color expression.
• 3Plant stems individually with ~1 cm spacing; clumped stems shade each other and the inner stems die back.

Common Care Issues

Frequently Asked Questions