Rotala 'Mini Type 2' Care Guide
Rotala 'Mini Type 2' is a very compact small-leaved Rotala macrandra selection for nano scapes that needs strong light and CO2 to keep its form.
Overview
Rotala 'Mini Type 2' is a very small, delicate Rotala selection, regarded as a mutant of Rotala macrandra 'Green'. It has tiny leaves that show pink-red tips under good light and stays compact. The plant occasionally produces shoots that resemble the larger, faster wild-type 'Green'; these should be removed to preserve the typical compact form.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lythraceae
- Genus: Rotala
- Scientific name: Rotala sp. 'Mini Type 2'
- Trade lineage: Rotala macrandra 'Mini Type 2'
Habitat
The genus Rotala (family Lythraceae) comprises about 46 species of aquatic and semi-aquatic herbs, with several species used as aquarium plants. Many occur across tropical and subtropical regions, with strong representation in India and Africa. 'Mini Type 2' is a cultivated aquascaping selection rather than a wild-collected species.
Growth requirements
- Light: high (strong lighting recommended)
- CO2: required for compact, colorful growth
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Growth rate: medium
- Maximum height: about 10 cm
Placement
The compact habit suits the foreground or midground, especially in nano aquariums where it is planted as a group for detail work.
Propagation
Propagation is by cuttings; for true-to-type plants, select only shoots with the typical small leaves.