Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra'
IntermediateRotala rotundifolia 'H'ra'
A strain of Rotala rotundifolia with rather narrow leaves and overhanging or creeping stems. With strong light, good fertilisation and CO2 it grows almost entirely creeping and turns a warm orange, even forming an orange carpet.
About
Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' is a stem plant (Lythraceae) regarded as a strain of Rotala rotundifolia, a species of rice paddies and wetlands in India, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Its trade name carries a Vietnamese place name, but records of where it was collected or how it was introduced are scarce. A Danish nursery describes it as probably a variation of R. rotundifolia closely resembling Rotala sp. 'Green'. Its habit and colour set it apart: the leaves are rather narrow and the stems tend to hang or creep rather than stand upright. Under strong light, good fertilisation and CO2 it grows almost entirely creeping and takes on a warm orange colour, making a dense orange midground cushion or even an unusual orange foreground carpet. It is sold under its own name, separately from the standard species and 'Green', so compare it with those when buying. Tissue-culture cups and other stock are available from specialist shops in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra'
The Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' grows to About 3–20 cm tall (often creeping).
Basic Info
Origin
Asia (parent species from India to South-East and East Asia)
Lifespan
Perennial; maintained by replanting cuttings
Size
About 3–20 cm tall (often creeping)
Temperature
20〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Moderate CO2 and good fertilisation bring out the orange colour
Growing Tips
Lighting
Grows in medium light; strong light makes it creep and deepens the orange.
CO2 & Fertilizer
Moderate CO2 helps, and good fertilisation improves colour.
Water Temperature & Quality
Manage temperature and water as for other Rotala.
Substrate & Attachment
Plant in the substrate; its creeping habit suits midground cushions or the foreground.
Trimming & Propagation
Propagate by replanting cut stems.
Cautions
It resembles the standard species and 'Green', so check the name. Never release plants into the wild.
Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra'?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' get?
The mature size of Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' is About 3–20 cm tall (often creeping). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra'?
Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra': watering & fertilizer — Moderate CO2 and good fertilisation bring out the orange colour. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra'?
The price of Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 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.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act or Species Conservation Act. No Rotala variety is registered in Japan's plant variety protection database (as of September 2026). Never dump aquatic plants into rivers, ponds or ditches, or flush them away with tank water. Drain unwanted plants and trimmings and dispose of them as household waste.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act) / MAFF plant variety registration database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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