TankBud

Form of Rotala ramosior

Rotala Florida

Rotala ramosior 'Florida'

One of 2 forms of Rotala ramosior · See all forms →

Also known as Rotala ramosior var. Florida

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Forms · Rotala ramosior

See all 2 →

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ required
Temperature
64–86°F
18–30°C
Max height
11.8 in
30 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Midground
Type
Stem
pH
4.5–7.0
Hardness
0–8 dGH
Spread
1.2 in (3 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Difficult
Family
Lythraceae
Origin
Florida, USA (wild collection from Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary; the species is native across the Americas)

Overview

Rotala Florida is a small-leaved form of Rotala ramosior for the midground. It is a difficult plant.

Did you know

Rotala Florida shares its name with a different plant. Flowgrow lists Rotala macrandra 'Florida' as a trade name for the narrow-leaf form of Rotala macrandra. Check the label for the word ramosior before you buy.

Caring for Rotala Florida

Keep Rotala Florida in an established tank, as a free-standing midground group about 15 to 20 cm tall. It needs strong light, injected CO2, a rich substrate and steady macro and micro dosing.

The 2Hr Aquarist suggests PAR of 80 or more at the substrate, CO2 above 35 ppm and a GH of about 4 to 6. Low CO2 or low calcium often makes the lower stem rot and drop its leaves. It handles 64 to 86°F (18 to 30°C) and a pH of 4.5 to 7.

It grows slowly, about 9 cm a month in Aquasabi's tanks. Avoid hard pruning, because stumps cut low often die back. Cut the tops higher up and replant them.

Good to know

Rotala Florida belongs to the loosestrife family, Lythraceae. Florida is a trade name for one wild collection, and Kew lists no botanical variety by that name. Its leaves sit in crossed pairs and measure 1 to 1.3 cm long and about 4 mm wide. Strong light turns them red-violet to deep purple, while the stem, midrib and leaf base stay light green. Rotala Sunset has longer leaves, 2.5 to 3 cm, in orange to brown-red.

In the wild

Rotala Florida is a wild form of Rotala ramosior, named for the state where it was collected. US hobbyists gathered it with special permission at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, northwest of the Everglades. It grew on a muddy path, away from open water. They introduced it on US plant forums in March 2013. The species grows on wet ground and in shallows across the Americas.

Common questions

Is Rotala Florida a different species from Rotala ramosior?

No. Rotala Florida is a form of Rotala ramosior. It reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm), against 15.7 in (40 cm) for the species. It also differs in growth rate, placement and spread.

Does Rotala Florida need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.

Does Rotala Florida need CO2?

Yes. Rotala Florida needs injected CO2 to grow well, and it usually struggles without it.

How much light does Rotala Florida need?

Rotala Florida needs high light from a strong planted-tank LED. In weaker light its stems stretch and drop their lower leaves.

Does Rotala Florida need root tabs?

They help. Rotala Florida takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Rotala Florida?

Rotala Florida propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.

How tall does Rotala Florida grow?

Rotala Florida grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

Related plants