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Rotala Rotundifolia sp. Green

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Overview

Rotala Rotundifolia sp. Green is a versatile and attractive aquatic plant, known for its slender, upright stems and vibrant green leaves. It thrives in both high light and CO2-enriched environments, making it a popular choice for aquarists looking to add a fresh, bright green touch to their tanks.

Position in Aquarium

  • Location: To the far right of the aquarium, in a dense cluster.
  • Grouping: Planting densely will help achieve a thick, bushy appearance, enhancing its bright green hue against the tank's other colors.

Care Requirements

Lighting

  • Intensity: High
  • Duration: 10-12 hours per day to promote strong growth and vibrant coloration.

Water Conditions

  • Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
  • pH: 5.5-7.5
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

Substrate

  • Type: Prefers a nutrient-rich substrate that can retain moisture and provide a steady supply of nutrients.

CO2

  • Addition: Highly recommended
  • Rate: 10-30 mg/L to ensure optimal growth and leaf density.

Fertilization

  • Macro Nutrients: Regular dosing with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is crucial for healthy development.
  • Micro Nutrients: Including iron and manganese helps maintain the intense green coloration of the leaves.

Pruning and Maintenance

  • Pruning Frequency: Frequent trimming is required to maintain shape and promote denser growth.
  • Trimming Technique: Trim the top and lateral shoots to encourage branching, resulting in a fuller plant.

Propagation

  • Method: Stem cuttings can be replanted directly into the substrate to propagate new plants.
  • Growth Rate: Fast, especially under optimal conditions with adequate lighting and CO2.

Common Issues

  • Legginess: Occurs in lower light conditions, where the plant stretches towards the light, resulting in sparse lower leaves.
  • Color Fading: Without sufficient light or nutrients, the vibrant green can fade to a pale color.

Additional Tips

  • Placement Strategy: Use this plant to create a visual balance in the aquarium, contrasting with darker or redder plants.
  • Environmental Impact: Consider the overall water chemistry and lighting to ensure it supports the growth of Rotala Rotundifolia sp. Green without causing stress to other species.
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