Rotala rotundifolia
The Latin name means ''the plant with the round leaves''. But this only applies to the marsh variety, which has circular leaves. In aquariums Rotala rotundifolia has long, thin leaves. Unlike other Rotala species it is relatively undemanding, although it needs good light to produce red leaves. It forms side shoots willingly, becoming compact and bushy. This also means that it is hard for light to reach the lower leaves, so the plant should be pruned frequently. Also known as Rotala indica.
An attractive easy to grow stem plant. Will grow in moderate to high level lighting. It does take on a pinkish tint in brighter light, and will also spread across the gravel. This plant grows so fast for my under the shoplights that I generally just chop off the whole stand to an inch or two from the gravel base and let them grow out again.
- Family: Lythraceae
- Continent: Asia
- Region: South-east Asia
- Country of origin:
- Height: 40-60 cm
- Width: 3+ cm
- Light requirements: medium-very high
- Temperature: 18-30 °C
- Hardness tolerance: very soft-hard
- pH tolerance: 5-8
- Growth: fast
- Demands: easy
Rotala rotundifolia (family Lythraceae) is a small very delicate plant that needs allot of light. Plants grown in the aquarium are alot diffrent to the emersed plant. The aquatic leaves are narrow and often reddish in colour if they receive enough light. The emersed leaves are small and round and normally light green. The plants flowers are small and pink. Plants propagate from tip cuttings easily.
Habitat
An emergent aquatic plant. A low growing sprawling plant for shallow water topped with masses of pink flowers in warmer months. Full sun to partial shade in wet soil to shallow water. Feed and divide in the warmer months.
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