Rotala H'Ra care guide

Rotala H'Ra (Rotala sp. 'H'Ra') — high light, 22-28 °C, pH 5.5-7, CO2 recommended.

Overview

Rotala H'Ra (Rotala sp. 'H'Ra') is an aquatic plant of the family Lythraceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under high light with pressurised CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A spectacular orange-to-red stem plant from Vietnam that develops stunning warm coloration under high light. Less demanding than Rotala macrandra while offering equally vivid colors, making it popular in Dutch-style aquascapes.

Taxonomy

Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Rotala
Scientific name: Rotala sp. 'H'Ra'
Common synonyms: Rotala sp. H'Ra, Rotala Vietnam H'Ra

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 Vietnam.

Growth requirements

Lighting: high
CO2: recommended
Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
pH: 5.5-7
GH: 2-8 °dGH
Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
Maximum height: 30 cm
Growth rate: medium
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 high light with pressurised 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.