Rotala wallichii
Scientific name: Rotala wallichii
Family: Lythraceae
Usual maximum size in aquariums: 10 - 30 cm (3.94 - 11.81 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 6.9
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°F)
Reproduction of the plant: Cuttings
Origin (in the wild): East Asia
How fast these plants grow: Fast
Recommended substrate: Fine gravel
Demands on lighting: Bright
Ideal placement in a fish tank: Middle
Common Name
Whorly Rotala
Planting Area
Midground to Background
Propagation
This plant is propagated by taking cuttings from the side shoots of the mother plant. When the cuttings are removed, break off the bottom two pairs of leaves to reveal a length of bare stem. This can now be placed carefully into the substrate taking care not to crush the stem. In a few weeks the cuttings will develop a root system to create new plants.
Difficulty
Difficult
Short Description
This is one of the most popular of the red stemmed plants in the aquarium hobby but it is also one of the most difficult to keep long term. In the wild it produces long flower stems that produce purple flowers but when submerged in the aquarium, this will not happen. It requires bright lighting and a CO2 system must be used. The nitrates in the water should not fall below 25 ppm or the plant will suffer.