Propagating Rotala sp. 'Florida' from Cuttings

How to multiply the reddish, dense-growing Rotala 'Florida' by topping the stems and replanting the cut tops, with the light, CO2 and nutrient conditions that bring out its colour.

Overview

Rotala sp. 'Florida' is a cultivated form within the Rotala genus of the loosestrife family (Lythraceae), a genus of roughly 46 species, several of which are used as aquarium plants. Like its rotundifolia-group relatives it grows as a stem plant both submerged and emersed, and submerged growth tends toward narrow leaves while emersed shoots are rounder. It earns its place in the midground for its dense branching and pink-to-reddish tones.

Reported as a slow grower, 'Florida' is comparatively undemanding to keep tidy: aquascapers replant it only about once every four months rather than weekly. The trade-off is that it is genuinely demanding in light and CO2, and is not suited to low-tech, non-injected tanks.

Propagation Method (Cuttings)

The whole Rotala genus is propagated vegetatively by cuttings, and 'Florida' follows the same path as its parent group. You cut off the top shoot and replant it; the remaining base then pushes out side shoots, so one stem becomes several. This is the only practical way to multiply a cultivar true to form.

Step-by-Step

1. Choose a healthy, well-coloured stem and cut the top 5-10 cm cleanly with sharp scissors.
2. Strip the lowest leaves from the cutting so a bare node or two can be buried.
3. Push the cutting into nutrient-rich substrate, deep enough to anchor the bare node where new roots form.
4. Leave the trimmed base in place; it will branch into side shoots from the remaining nodes.
5. Keep light and CO2 high during rooting so the new top does not stall.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Loss of lower leaves on Rotala signals insufficient light, so give 'Florida' strong illumination; higher light drives more intense, purple-leaning colour. Pair this with high CO2 — success rates improve above roughly 35 ppm — and regular fertilisation. The plant favours a rich substrate and tolerates harder, calcium-rich water well.

Trimming & Maintenance

Top the plant when it reaches the height you want and replant the healthy tops to thicken the stand. Thanks to its slow growth you can stretch the replant cycle to every few months, refreshing the group by swapping leggy bottoms for vigorous new cuttings.

Common Challenges

• Bare lower stems and dropped leaves — a classic sign of too little light.
• Green instead of red — light, CO2 or nutrients are too low for the colour to express.
• Stalled cuttings after replanting — usually unstable CO2 or weak light during rooting.