Rotala Rotundifolia Indica

Rotala rotundifolia 'Indica' Care Guide

Common Name: Rotala 'Indica'
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Family: Lythraceae

General Description:

Rotala rotundifolia 'Indica' is a popular aquatic plant known for its vibrant green to reddish-pink leaves, which add a splash of color to aquascapes. It is a versatile and hardy plant that can adapt to various water conditions and lighting levels, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Care Requirements:

1. Tank Size:

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters)
• Rotala 'Indica' can be kept in small to large aquariums, allowing flexibility in aquascaping.

2. Lighting Requirements:

• Lighting: Moderate to High
• This plant thrives under moderate to high lighting conditions. Higher lighting will enhance the red coloration of the leaves.

3. CO2 Requirements:

• CO2: Beneficial but not required
• While CO2 supplementation is not strictly necessary, it can promote faster growth and more vibrant coloration, especially in tanks with higher lighting.

4. Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

5. Substrate:

• Substrate Type: Nutrient-rich
• A nutrient-rich substrate supports healthy growth. Supplementing with root tabs or liquid fertilizers can also be beneficial.

6. Fertilization:

• Nutrients: Moderate
• Regular fertilization with a comprehensive liquid fertilizer that provides macro and micronutrients will help maintain vibrant growth.

7. Watering and Maintenance:

• Water Changes: Perform regular water changes of 20-30% weekly to maintain water quality.
• Pruning: Regular pruning is necessary to control growth and encourage bushier growth. Trim the stems to prevent them from becoming leggy and replant the cuttings to propagate new plants.

8. Propagation:

• Propagation Method: Stem cuttings
• Rotala 'Indica' propagates easily through stem cuttings. Cut healthy stems and replant them in the substrate to grow new plants.

9. Placement in Tank:

• Placement: Midground to Background
• Due to its height and growth pattern, Rotala 'Indica' is ideal for the midground to background of the aquarium, where it can create a lush backdrop.

Summary:

Rotala rotundifolia 'Indica' is a beautiful and adaptable plant that adds vibrant color and texture to any aquarium. It thrives under moderate to high lighting and benefits from regular fertilization. With proper care, this fast-growing plant can enhance the visual appeal of your aquascape.

By following this care guide, you can enjoy the lush and vibrant growth of Rotala 'Indica' in your aquarium.