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Rotala Rotundifolia

Rotala rotundifolia

Updated on July 28, 2022
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Reviewed by Don Spaeth
Petco’s National Aquatic Care, Education and Programs Manager

Appearance | Plant care | How to plant it | Maintenance and care | Propagation | Common Problems | Aquarium mates and compatibility

Rotala Rotundifolia Aquarium Plant

Rotala rotundifolia is native to Southeast Asia. Introduced to the United States, this long-stemmed plant also grows in Florida and Alabama. Its Latin name translates to “the plant with the round leaves,” though the submersed form has narrow leaves.

If you want to brighten up your aquarium or water garden, the rotala rotundifolia plant can make a wonderful addition. It’s attractive and relatively easy to maintain—even for novice aquarists. Read on to learn more about rotala rotundifolia’s appearance, how to propagate it and necessary fish tank maintenance.

Appearance

Rotala rotundifolia aquarium plants are bright green with multiple long stems. The leaves are narrow with either a pointed or a rounded edge, and they tend to grow in bunches. With the right care, your rotala rotundifolia can grow quite tall. While they are usually green, some leaves and stems may become pink or red over time.

Plant care

An aquarium of at least 10 gallons is recommended for this aquatic plant. Smaller habitats may not be able to provide enough space, and your plants can become overcrowded. Remember that deep aquariums require stronger lighting to penetrate the water and allow your plants to photosynthesize.

How to plant it

Rotala rotundifolia is best planted near the back of your aquarium so it doesn’t obscure smaller plants. Several plants can be bunched together to create a lush wall with a dramatic look. When planting your rotala rotundifolia, push the roots into the soil substrate until they are totally covered.

Maintenance and care

Rotala rotundifolia care is fairly low maintenance. They can tolerate low or moderate lighting but thrive with full-spectrum lighting with a color temperature around 6500K. Plan on giving your aquarium plant at least eight to 10 hours of light daily.

Help your rotala rotundifolia aquarium plant thrive with a nutrient-rich substrate at least 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Nutrient-rich plant substrates are compatible with many other aquarium plants, so you can add different leafy varieties if you want more diversity. Adding liquid fertilizer and iron supplements help enhance the red coloring of your plant, as will keeping nitrates below 5 ppm.

Here are some other quick tips for rotala rotundifolia care.

  • Adding a CO2 system is not required for plant health but may allow them to grow more densely and showcase a more vibrant color. CO2 can be provided from a system or liquid.
  • Keep your water temperature between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Your rotala rotundifolia plant will most likely thrive within a pH range of 6 to 8. You can use pH treatments to alter the balance in your aquarium.
  • Rotala plants do best in stable environments. Try not to make many major, frequent changes to your aquarium if you want to keep your plants healthy.
  • These plants can be trimmed to remove dead or dying parts to keep the rest of the plant healthier.

Propagation

This is a fairly easy plant to propagate. Use your existing plant to grow a new one by clipping a 3-inch-or-longer section from an upper portion of a current stem. Take the piece you’ve pruned and place it in the substrate. New roots will grow to anchor the plant.

Common problems

To keep rotala rotundifolia healthy, watch out for common problems, including:

Insufficient light

Leaves may not grow lower on the stalk if your rotala rotundifolia doesn’t get enough light.

Melt

This problem refers to a plant losing its color and becoming transparent. Melt happens if there aren’t enough nutrients in the water or a dramatic change in water quality occurs. Aquarium water conditioners and additives may help.

Nitrite spikes

Too much nitrite or ammonia in the water can harm this plant. You can perform a water change or use a water conditioner to reduce most nitrites and protect the plant life in your aquarium.

Improper substrate

Aquarium sand and gravel don’t provide any nutrients to plants. A rotala rotundifolia that is not in nutrient-rich substrate may not thrive.

Aquarium mates and compatibility

Your rotala rotundifolia can share the aquarium with many types of pets. These include generally peaceful fish like tetras, platies and rasboras. The ideal mates are aquatic life who will not bother plants other than to seek refuge as a source of security. Cherry barbs may also be a good match for your rotala plants, as well as freshwater shrimp.

Avoid large cichlids and goldfish because they may eat your plants. Decorative snails—including rabbit snails—may nibble at your rotala rotundifolia if they are not fed enough. Crayfish and crabs are also risky choices.

FAQs About Rotala Rotundifolia

Does rotala rotundifolia need CO2?

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Rotala rotundifolia may benefit from CO2 supplementation, but they can live without it. If you add CO2 to your aquarium, you can choose a CO2 kit, tablet or liquid supplement.

Does rotala rotundifolia turn red?

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Yes, the rotala rotundifolia plant can turn red as it grows. This can be a sign of good health, and increasing light intake can make the colors even more vibrant.

Does rotala rotundifolia need substrate?

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This plant can float, but it should be put in nutrient-rich planted-tank substrate so it can get enough nutrients.

How tall does rotala rotundifolia grow?

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Rotala rotundifolia may grow up to 12 inches tall as quickly as two months after being put in your aquarium.

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