Rotala Elatior care guide
Rotala Elatior (Rotala elatior) — medium light, 20-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Rotala Elatior (Rotala elatior) is an aquatic plant of the family Lythraceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. A tall, robust Rotala species with green, oval leaves that grows quickly and easily. Unlike many Rotala species, it does not require high light or CO2, making it an excellent beginner stem plant.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lythraceae
- Genus: Rotala
- Scientific name: Rotala elatior
- Common synonyms: Tall Rotala
Habitat
Rotala is a genus of small marsh plants (Lythraceae) distributed across the Old-World tropics, from India and South-East Asia to tropical Africa and northern Australia. Many forms occur in rice paddies, ditches and seasonally flooded lowlands. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from India.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 40 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Recommended placement: background
Placement
A background or midground stem. Bright light combined with CO2 injection brings out the orange, pink and red tones for which Rotala is grown; lean nitrogen and abundant micros sharpen the colour further. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the background under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
Propagation
Pinched off and replanted cuttings root in days; periodic topping creates the dense bushy cluster characteristic of Dutch- and nature-style layouts. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
Small upright leaves and pale tips indicate insufficient light or CO2; reducing nitrate slightly while raising iron tends to intensify the red pigments.