Care Guide
Family Name: Lythraceae
Rotala Wallichii
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Moderate - high
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Form
Stem
Placement
Mid - Background
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Bunch
About This Plant
Rotala wallichii is the most delicate looking of the Rotala species, and it can be problematic without excellent care; growing well for a while, then stunting. It must have at least moderate light, good supplemental CO2 and a steady, even supply of nutrients to prevent this. But it is a really beautiful species if given the opportunity to shine! Please keep in mind that Rotala wallichii and other very fine leafed plants are also tasty to animals that eat filamentous algae. So Amano shrimp and Siamese algae eaters will sometimes eat the tender leaves if they get hungry. This is a plant with beautiful leaves and form when grown emersed, and a delightful pink flower. So it also is a great option for Wabi Kusa or well-lit terrariums.
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 Wallichii
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Native to
- Tropical Asia
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Requirements
- Fairly demanding, requires supplemental CO2 and good nutrient support
- Lighting
- Moderate - high
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Growth form
- Stem
- Placement
- Mid - Background
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Bunch
Difficulty — Advanced
Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 supplementation is recommended for best growth and color. Liquid carbon (Easy Carbon, Excel) is a workable substitute, though pressurized CO2 produces the strongest results.
Tank Size & Setup
Best in tanks 20 gallons or larger so background stems have room to grow up and be trimmed without overtaking the foreground.
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
Slow initial growth
Most aquarium plants pause for 2-4 weeks after planting while they convert from their nursery-grown emersed form to fully submerged growth. New leaves that emerge underwater will look thinner and slightly different — this is the plant adapting, not a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Family Name: Lythraceae need?
Family Name: Lythraceae (Rotala Wallichii) prefers moderate - high lighting. A standard planted-tank LED fixture run 7-9 hours a day is typical.
Does Family Name: Lythraceae need CO2?
CO2 supplementation is recommended for best growth and color. Liquid carbon (Easy Carbon, Excel) is a workable substitute, though pressurized CO2 produces the strongest results.
Is Family Name: Lythraceae good for beginners?
Family Name: Lythraceae is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
How fast does Family Name: Lythraceae grow?
Growth rate is moderate. Most aquarists trim every 3-4 weeks under standard conditions.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Family Name: Lythraceae?
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Available to Purchase
Family Name: Lythraceae — $19.99
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