Aquascapeplants Rotala Green

Rotala is a popular aquatic plant in the aquarium hobby, known for its vibrant colors and delicate foliage. Rotala Green, specifically, is a variety that is easier to care for compared to some of its more demanding relatives like Rotala rotundifolia or Rotala indica. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you grow and maintain Rotala Green in your aquarium.

1. Overview of Rotala Green

• Scientific Name: Rotala rotundifolia ‘Green’
• Family: Lythraceae
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Light Requirements: Moderate to High
• CO2 Requirements: Low to Medium (benefits from CO2 supplementation)
• Placement: Midground to Background

2. Tank Requirements

• Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2-15 dGH)
• Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs for optimal growth
• Lighting: Moderate to high lighting (2-4 watts per gallon or 40-80 PAR)
• CO2: Not mandatory but recommended for denser growth and vibrant color

3. Planting and Propagation

• Planting: Rotala Green can be planted in groups for a bushier appearance. Trim the stems and plant them into the substrate, leaving some space between each stem to allow light to reach the lower leaves.
• Propagation: Propagate by cutting the stems. Simply trim the top portion of the plant (about 4-6 inches) and replant it into the substrate. The remaining stem will often produce new side shoots.

4. Care Tips

• Fertilization: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer to provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Iron supplementation can help maintain healthy growth.
• Pruning: Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy. Trim the tops and replant them to fill in gaps.
• Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and prevent algae growth.
• Algae Control: Ensure proper lighting duration (6-8 hours per day) and avoid overfeeding fish to prevent algae from competing with Rotala Green.

5. Common Issues

• Melting: Rotala Green may melt when first introduced to a new tank due to changes in water parameters. This is normal, and the plant will usually recover with proper care.
• Leggy Growth: Insufficient light can cause the plant to grow tall and sparse. Increase light intensity or duration to encourage compact growth.
• Yellowing Leaves: This may indicate a nutrient deficiency, particularly iron or nitrogen. Adjust your fertilization routine accordingly.

6. Compatibility

• Fish: Rotala Green is compatible with most community fish, including tetras, guppies, and rasboras. Avoid fish that are known to eat plants, such as goldfish or cichlids.
• Invertebrates: Shrimp and snails are great tank mates and can help keep the tank clean.

7. Benefits in the Aquarium

• Provides excellent hiding spots for fish and shrimp.
• Enhances the aesthetic appeal of the tank with its bright green foliage.
• Helps improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow and maintain Rotala Green in your aquarium, creating a lush and vibrant underwater landscape.

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