TankBud

Rotala Fujian

Rotala 'Fujian'

Also known as Rotala rotundifolia 'Fujian', Rotala sp. 'Fujian'

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Rotala Fujian (Rotala 'Fujian')
Buce Plant · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–84°F
22–29°C
Max height
7.9 in
20 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Midground
Type
Stem
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
1–12 dGH
Spread
2 in (5 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Lythraceae
Origin
Form of Rotala rotundifolia found in Fujian province, southeastern China

Overview

Rotala Fujian is a compact, fast stem plant for the midground. It is a plant of medium difficulty.

Did you know

Rotala Fujian is one rotundifolia form you can identify by shape as much as color. Its submersed leaves stay distinctly broader than those of its sister forms, orange-pink tips or not.

Caring for Rotala Fujian

Plant Rotala Fujian as single stems in the midground. Farmed stock handles both emersed and submersed growth, but expect a transition period after planting. Avoid drastic parameter changes, which melt it.

Like its parent species, it is forgiving of water chemistry. The orange-pink color comes only with high light and concentrates at the growing tips. Injected CO2 is not required, but at that light it keeps growth dense and ahead of algae. Quality aquarium soil plus a liquid fertilizer covers its feeding, and it suits 72 to 84°F (22 to 29°C).

It grows fast and stays compact, around 10 to 20 cm with regular topping. Trim and replant the tops to thicken the stand. Cut side shoots free once they have a few leaves and plant them on their own.

Good to know

Rotala Fujian is a member of the family Lythraceae. It is one of several named regional and color forms of Rotala rotundifolia in the hobby, alongside plants like H'ra and Blood Red.

In the wild

Rotala Fujian is a regional form of Rotala rotundifolia found in Fujian province in southeastern China. The parent species is a wetland plant of rice paddies, ditches and marshy ground across Asia. There it grows emersed with rounded leaves and switches to softer foliage underwater.

Common questions

Does Rotala Fujian 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 Fujian need CO2?

No, but it helps. Rotala Fujian can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Rotala Fujian need?

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

Does Rotala Fujian need root tabs?

They help. Rotala Fujian 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 Fujian?

Rotala Fujian 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 Fujian grow?

Rotala Fujian grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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