Rotala sp. 'Burma' Care Guide
Rotala sp. 'Burma' (Myanmar) is a demanding red-colouring stem plant from the Burmese region, needing strong light, CO2 and iron.
Overview
Rotala sp. 'Burma', also traded as Rotala sp. 'Myanmar', is a stem plant of the family Lythraceae from the Burmese region. It is grown for its golden-red to ruby colour under strong light. It is a demanding plant that requires consistent care, constant CO2 and adequate iron, and is therefore better suited to experienced aquarists in high-tech tanks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lythraceae
- Genus: Rotala
- Scientific name: Rotala sp. 'Burma'
- Also traded as: Rotala sp. 'Myanmar'
- Common name: Burma Rotala
Appearance
The plant forms upright stems up to about 20 cm tall with needle-like leaves that turn golden-red to red-brown under suitable conditions. Leaf blades reach roughly 2.5 cm in length and about 1.5 mm in width. Where iron is deficient, the leaves gradually yellow and decay, so iron supply is an important driver of the red colouration.
Tank requirements
- Water type: freshwater
- Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- pH: 5.5–7.0
- GH: 1–8 °dGH
- Lighting: high; bright lighting around 6500 K favours the ruby tone
- CO2: required (constant)
- Substrate: nutrient-rich; iron supply important
- Placement: midground
It needs constant CO2 and stable, nutrient-rich conditions, with moderate nitrate and phosphate. Strong, warm-spectrum lighting brings out the deep red colour. Because of its sensitivity it is treated as an advanced plant.
Propagation
Propagation is by cutting the stem. The cut tops are replanted into the substrate where they root, and the remaining stems branch from the cut to form a denser group.