Rotala Pusilla care guide
Rotala Pusilla (Rotala pusilla) — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 5.5-7, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Rotala Pusilla (Rotala pusilla) 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 with pressurised CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A delicate Rotala species with very fine, needle-like leaves creating a soft, feathery mass. Best used in groups where it forms dense, textured cushions in the midground of planted tanks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lythraceae
- Genus: Rotala
- Scientific name: Rotala pusilla
- Common synonyms: Dwarf Rotala
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 Asia.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 20 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 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.