Rotala ramosior

Care at a glance

Overview

A demanding, light-hungry background stem plant that really wants strong light, CO2, and a steady supply of both macro and micro nutrients, with substrate feeding a plus. It does not take hard pruning well, cut stumps often die back instead of throwing side shoots, and it propagates slowly, so trim by lifting whole stems and replanting the healthy tops. Colors are subtle rather than flashy, so it earns its place through fine, upright form and contrast against red or feathery plants.

In the wild

Unlike most aquarium rotalas, this one is native to North America, ranging across most of the continental United States plus parts of Canada (British Columbia and Ontario), Mexico, and the West Indies. It grows in full sun on wet ground, pond margins, and shallow water, both above and below the surface. It is protected as threatened or endangered in several US states such as Minnesota, though it is not a regulated or restricted plant for aquarium keeping.

Good to know

In the family Lythraceae, the common names Lowland Rotala and Toothcup both refer to this species. It has been treated historically under Ammannia, and it is amphibious, with the emersed form converting to submersed growth fairly easily. Where it has escaped cultivation in Taiwan it has become invasive, but in its native North American range it is a declining native rather than a weed.

Did you know

Did you know that despite being one of the most demanding plants in the hobby, Rotala ramosior grows as a common native wetland weed across most of the United States, tolerating everything from Ontario cold to the Deep South.

Related plants

• Rotala Colorata

  Rotala rotundifolia 'Colorata'

  High lightBackground15.7 in (40 cm)
• Rotala macrandra Bangladesh

  Rotala macrandra 'Bangladesh'

  High lightBackground15.7 in (40 cm)
• Rotala macrandra Green

  Rotala macrandra 'Green'

  High lightBackground15.7 in (40 cm)

• 

  Rotala macrandra

  Rotala macrandra

  High lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)

• 

  Rotala rotundifolia

  Rotala rotundifolia

  Medium lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)
• Rotala Ceylon

  Rotala rotundifolia 'Ceylon'

  Medium lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)