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Form of Rotala rotundifolia

Rotala Myanmar

Rotala rotundifolia 'Myanmar'

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

Also known as Rotala sp. 'Myanmar', Myanmar Rotala

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Invasive. Regulated as an invasive aquatic plant in California and Louisiana. Never release into the wild; dispose of trimmings in the trash.

Rotala Myanmar (Rotala rotundifolia 'Myanmar')
Buce Plant · Used with permission

Forms · Rotala rotundifolia

See all 11 →

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
19.7 in
50 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Stem
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
4–15 dGH
Spread
2 in (5 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Lythraceae
Origin
Myanmar (collection form of Rotala rotundifolia, exact locality unpublished)

Overview

Rotala Myanmar is a fast-growing stem plant from Myanmar, grown in groups toward the back of the tank. It rates medium difficulty.

Did you know

Rotala Myanmar often carries three or four leaves at each node, while Rotala rotundifolia normally sets its leaves in opposite pairs. Counting the leaves at a node picks it out of a mixed bunch.

Caring for Rotala Myanmar

Plant Rotala Myanmar as a group in the background or midground. Strip the leaves from the bottom of each stem and set the stems about 2.5 cm apart. The gap lets light reach the lower leaves.

Medium light keeps it healthy and mostly green, and it grows without injected CO2, only faster with it. Strong light and CO2 turn the tops orange and pink, while weak light leaves the stems greener and leggy. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so dose a complete liquid fertilizer to keep the lower leaves from yellowing, and add root tabs.

Rotala Myanmar grows fast at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C), and regular trimming tightens its loose habit into a compact bush. Replant the cut tips, which root quickly, and the trimmed stems push out side shoots you can plant too. It also grows emersed, so it suits a wabi-kusa ball.

Good to know

Rotala Myanmar is a form of Rotala rotundifolia in the loosestrife family, Lythraceae. Aquasabi sells it as Rotala rotundifolia 'Myanmar' and describes relatively broad submersed leaves, where plain rotundifolia grows narrow ones underwater. US tissue-culture cups carry the label Rotala sp. 'Myanmar'. The stems form a loose, upright bush.

In the wild

Rotala Myanmar reached the aquarium trade from Myanmar only recently, and no collecting site has been published. Rotala rotundifolia is native to the country, where it roots in paddy fields, marsh edges and stream banks. The form now sells in Europe as potted plants and in the US as tissue culture from the lab Aquatic Farmer.

Common questions

Is Rotala Myanmar a different species from Rotala rotundifolia?

No. Rotala Myanmar is a form of Rotala rotundifolia. Added CO2 helps it, while the species grows well without. It also differs in difficulty.

Does Rotala Myanmar 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 Myanmar need CO2?

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

How much light does Rotala Myanmar need?

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

Does Rotala Myanmar need root tabs?

They help. Rotala Myanmar 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 Myanmar?

Rotala Myanmar 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 Myanmar grow?

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

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