Rotala mexicana 'Bangladesh' Care Guide
Rotala mexicana 'Bangladesh' is a fine-leaved stem plant of the Lythraceae family with whorled leaves that shift from green to orange-pink under bright light.
Overview
Rotala mexicana 'Bangladesh' is a fine-leaved stem plant of the genus Rotala, family Lythraceae. In the aquarium trade it is sometimes also classified under Rotala wallichii. It has fine linear leaves arranged in whorls and shifts colour from green to light red or orange under good light.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lythraceae
- Genus: Rotala
- Scientific name: Rotala mexicana 'Bangladesh'
- Trade note: sometimes classified as Rotala wallichii 'Bangladesh'
Habitat
Rotala mexicana has a wide native range across the tropics and subtropics, recorded in regions of Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia. It grows in or near water, typically in seasonally dry tropical habitats such as rice paddies and shallow pools. Leaves are arranged in whorls, reflected in the genus name derived from the Latin for wheel.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-8 °dGH
- Lighting: high
- CO2: required
- Maximum height: about 25 cm
- Placement: midground / background in taller tanks
Care and growth
The plant demands plenty of light for good coloration and growth, along with CO2 and a complete supply of macro- and micronutrients via the water column. It prefers soft water and is a fast-growing stem plant of medium difficulty. Regular pruning encourages branching and keeps the group dense.
Propagation
Propagation is by cuttings: trimmed tops are replanted into the substrate, where they form new roots and shoots.