Rotala Fujian Care Guide

Common Name: Rotala Fujian
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Family: Lythraceae

General Description:

Rotala Fujian is a delicate and visually striking stem plant characterized by its narrow leaves and soft pink to orange-red coloration under optimal conditions. This Rotala variety is valued for its fine texture and graceful growth pattern, making it an excellent choice for adding depth, color, and movement to aquascapes. When grown in groups, it creates light, airy bushes that contrast beautifully with broader-leaved plants.

Care Requirements:

1. Tank Size:

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters)

2. Lighting Requirements:

Lighting: Moderate to High

Stronger lighting enhances pink and red hues and keeps internodes compact. Under lower light, the plant becomes greener and more elongated.

3. CO₂ Requirements:

CO₂: Recommended

While it can grow without CO₂, stable supplementation significantly improves coloration, growth speed, and overall plant density.

4. Water Parameters:

Temperature: 20–28°C (68–82°F)
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

5. Substrate:

Substrate Type: Nutrient-rich preferred

A fertile substrate supports stronger lower stems and healthier, more consistent growth.

6. Fertilization:

Nutrients: Moderate to High

Requires regular macro and micronutrients. Adequate iron helps bring out pink and reddish tones.

7. Maintenance:

Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

Regular trimming encourages bushy growth and prevents shading of lower leaves.

8. Propagation:

Propagation Method: Stem cuttings

Cut healthy tops and replant them directly into the substrate; they root quickly.

9. Placement in Tank:

Placement: Midground to Background

Best planted in groups to create soft, colorful accents and flowing plant masses.

Summary:

Rotala Fujian is an elegant and refined stem plant that adds subtle color and fine texture to planted aquariums. With good lighting, stable CO₂, and proper fertilization, it rewards aquascapers with graceful growth and beautiful pastel-to-red tones.