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Form of Rotala rotundifolia

Rotala Green

Rotala rotundifolia 'Green'

One of 11 forms of Rotala rotundifolia · See all forms →

Also known as Rotala sp. 'Green', Rotala rotundifolia 33A, Green Rotala, Rotala indica 'Green'

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Forms · Rotala rotundifolia

See all 11 →

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
64–86°F
18–30°C
Max height
19.7 in
50 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Stem
pH
5.0–8.0
Hardness
3–15 dGH
Spread
2 in (5 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Lythraceae
Origin
Southeast Asia

Overview

Rotala Green is an easy, fast, bushy stem plant and a common starter plant. It works well as a background filler.

Did you know

Rotala Green is one of the few Rotala forms that stays green no matter how bright the light. That is why aquascapers use it as a color contrast against red stems.

Caring for Rotala Green

Plant Rotala Green in large groups in the background. Strip the lower leaves and push the stems in one at a time, a little apart.

It grows fine in medium light without CO2, and injected CO2 gives denser, more compact growth. It feeds through roots and leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer both help. It handles 64 to 86°F (18 to 30°C).

It grows fast, so trim it often and replant the cut tops to thicken the stand. Side shoots can be cut free and planted once they have a few leaves.

Good to know

Rotala Green is a member of the loosestrife family, Lythraceae. The submersed form shows only two narrow leaves per node and a weeping, hanging habit.

In the wild

Rotala Green is a green form of the widespread Asian Rotala rotundifolia. It is found in marshes, rice paddies and stream margins from India through Southeast Asia. Like the species, it grows emersed on wet mud, where it produces round leaves and pink flower spikes.

Common questions

Is Rotala Green a different species from Rotala rotundifolia?

No. Rotala Green is a form of Rotala rotundifolia. It is grown the same way apart from its hardness, pH and temperature.

Does Rotala Green 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 Green need CO2?

No. Rotala Green grows well without added CO2.

How much light does Rotala Green need?

Rotala Green wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does Rotala Green need root tabs?

They help. Rotala Green 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 Green?

Rotala Green 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 Green grow?

Rotala Green grows to about 19.7 in (50 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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