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Rotala
BeginnerRotala spp.
Essential background stem plant genus. Many species including R. rotundifolia and R. indica. Beautiful red coloration and dense bushes achievable through trimming.
Overview
Rotala is a large genus of aquatic plants in the family Lythraceae, distributed widely across tropical and subtropical wetlands of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. In the aquarium hobby numerous species are cultivated — most notably R. rotundifolia and R. indica — as essential background stem plants prized for their capacity to color red to orange under intense illumination and CO2 enrichment. Leaves are small and grow opposite along slender stems. The more light and iron-rich liquid fertilizer provided, the deeper and more vivid the red coloration becomes. Dense, bushy backgrounds are achieved through regular trimming and replanting of cut stems. Many species are forgiving for beginners, though requirements vary considerably between species, making species selection important.
Size of the Rotala
The Rotala grows to 10-40cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Rotala
The ideal temperature for the Rotala is 22〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Tropical to subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas
Size
10-40cm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
CO2 recommended + liquid fert (iron is key for red color)
Growing Tips
Lighting
Medium to high light. More light = deeper red coloration
CO2
Recommended. Grows without but slower and less colorful
Water Temperature & Quality
Aim for 22–28°C. Light and water requirements differ by species, so choose one that suits your tank conditions.
Trimming
Replant cuttings for denser growth. Stick trimmed stems back in
Notes
Iron deficiency causes pale leaves. Supplement with iron-rich liquid fert
Rotala FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Rotala?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Rotala?
The ideal temperature for Rotala is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Rotala get?
The mature size of Rotala is 10-40cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Rotala?
Rotala: watering & fertilizer — CO2 recommended + liquid fert (iron is key for red color). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Rotala?
The price of Rotala varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
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