Rotala Florida care guide

Rotala Florida (Rotala sp. 'Florida') — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 5.5-7, no CO2.

Overview

Rotala Florida (Rotala sp. 'Florida') is an aquatic plant of the family Lythraceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A compact, reddish Rotala variety with dense branching habit. Produces attractive pink to reddish tones under moderate to high lighting and responds well to regular trimming for bushy growth.

Taxonomy

Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Rotala
Scientific name: Rotala sp. 'Florida'
Common synonyms: Rotala sp. 'Florida'

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 North America.

Growth requirements

Lighting: medium
CO2: not required
Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
pH: 5.5-7
GH: 2-10 °dGH
Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
Maximum height: 25 cm
Growth rate: medium
Recommended placement: midground

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 midground under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.

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.