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Form of Rotala rotundifolia

Rotala H'ra

Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra'

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

Also known as Rotala sp. 'H'ra', Rotala rotundifolia Hra, Rotala 'Hra', Rotala rotundifolia 'Vietnam H'ra'

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Rotala H'ra (Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra')
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Forms · Rotala rotundifolia

See all 11 →

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
11.8 in
30 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
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
Aquarium strain of Rotala rotundifolia, native to Southeast Asia

Overview

Rotala H'ra is a fast background stem plant grown in dense groups for a bushy red-orange top. It is a plant of medium difficulty.

Did you know

Rotala H'ra gets its color as much from what you withhold as from what you add. Keeping nitrate low tips it from green into its orange-red, and rich nitrate turns it yellow-green.

Caring for Rotala H'ra

Plant Rotala H'ra in the background, one stem at a time. It is forgiving of water parameters.

It needs high light to color up. Injected CO2 is not required, but at that light it keeps growth ahead of algae. Push the color with strong light and CO2 around 30 ppm, and feed roots and leaves with root tabs and a liquid fertilizer. It handles 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).

It grows fast, so top it and replant the tops regularly. Left untrimmed, the lower stems shade out. Cut side shoots free once they have a few leaves and plant them on their own.

Good to know

Rotala H'ra belongs to Lythraceae, the loosestrife family. The species name rotundifolia means round-leaved and refers to the emersed growth. Submersed shoots produce slender, almost needle-like leaves that look nothing like the round emersed form. H'ra was distributed from Vietnam and is one of several named color selections of R. rotundifolia in the hobby.

In the wild

Rotala H'ra is a selected aquarium form, not a wild population, and it is prized for stronger orange-red color than the standard species. Its parent, Rotala rotundifolia, is a wetland plant from Southeast Asia. It grows there in rice paddies, ditches and marshy ground.

Common questions

Is Rotala H'ra a different species from Rotala rotundifolia?

No. Rotala H'ra is a form of Rotala rotundifolia. It reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm), against 19.7 in (50 cm) for the species. It wants high light, where the species wants medium. Added CO2 helps it, while the species grows well without. It also differs in difficulty, hardness and pH.

Does Rotala H'ra 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 H'ra need CO2?

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

How much light does Rotala H'ra need?

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

Does Rotala H'ra need root tabs?

They help. Rotala H'ra 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 H'ra?

Rotala H'ra 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 H'ra grow?

Rotala H'ra grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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