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Form of Rotala rotundifolia

Rotala Manipurensis

Rotala rotundifolia 'Manipurensis'

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

Also known as Rotala sp. Manipur, Rotala rotundifolia Manipur

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Invasive. Its parent species Rotala rotundifolia is regulated as an invasive aquatic plant in California and Louisiana, and this form falls under the same rules. Never release into the wild; dispose of trimmings in the trash.

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
7.9 in
20 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 from Manipur, northeastern India

Overview

Rotala Manipurensis is a more colorful form of Rotala rotundifolia with a creeping, overhanging habit. It is a plant of medium difficulty.

Did you know

Rotala Manipurensis is one of the few aquarium plants whose trade name points at a real place. Manipur is the small Indian state on the Myanmar border, and its wetlands gave the hobby this rotala.

Caring for Rotala Manipurensis

Plant Rotala Manipurensis as a dense group in the background of a nano or the midground of a larger tank. The leaves are fine and soft, so handle cuttings gently. Keep parameters stable to avoid melt.

It survives in modest setups but stays olive green there. Strong light brings out orange and salmon tones, and CO2 with iron dosing pushes them further. Injected CO2 is not required, and root tabs and a liquid fertilizer feed its roots and leaves. It suits 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).

Growth is quick once it settles. Top and replant it regularly, or the lower stems shade out and shed leaves. Cut side shoots free and plant them once they have a few leaves.

Good to know

Rotala Manipurensis is a form of Rotala rotundifolia in the loosestrife family, Lythraceae. The trade epithet manipurensis is not a validly published species name, and shops also list the plant as Rotala sp. Manipur. Like the parent, it is amphibious, with narrow, feathery whorls of leaves underwater.

In the wild

Rotala Manipurensis is a trade selection of Rotala rotundifolia from India's far northeast. The parent species is a wetland plant of rice paddies, ditches and marshy ground across South and Southeast Asia. It grows emersed with rounded leaves for much of the year. The plant sold in shops is farmed, mostly as tissue culture.

Common questions

Is Rotala Manipurensis a different species from Rotala rotundifolia?

No. Rotala Manipurensis is a form of Rotala rotundifolia. It reaches about 7.9 in (20 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 Manipurensis 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 Manipurensis need CO2?

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

How much light does Rotala Manipurensis need?

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

Does Rotala Manipurensis need root tabs?

They help. Rotala Manipurensis 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 Manipurensis?

Rotala Manipurensis 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 Manipurensis grow?

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

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