Rotala rotundifolia 'Singapore' Care Guide
Rotala rotundifolia 'Singapore' is an intensely red locality form of the popular Asian stem plant Rotala rotundifolia (Lythraceae) for aquascaping.
Overview
Rotala rotundifolia 'Singapore' is a locality form of the widespread Asian stem plant Rotala rotundifolia, family Lythraceae. Often sold as 'Singapore Blood Red', it is noted for an intense red coloration compared with other rotundifolia forms. It shares the fast growth and easy culture typical of round-leaved Rotala.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lythraceae
- Genus: Rotala
- Scientific name: Rotala rotundifolia 'Singapore'
- Type: locality / selected form of R. rotundifolia
Habitat
Rotala rotundifolia is a common weed of rice paddies and wet places in India, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, and has been introduced to the United States. The emersed form has rounded leaves, while the submerged form is narrow and lanceolate. Under strong light the leaves can become almost wine red.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lighting: medium to high
- CO2: recommended
- Maximum height: about 25 cm
- Placement: midground
Care and growth
Rotala rotundifolia is undemanding but requires light to thrive; losing lower leaves indicates insufficient light. The 'Singapore' form looks best under strong light with added CO2 and complete macro- and micronutrient fertilization via the water column to develop its deep red colour.
Placement and propagation
It is propagated by cuttings. Regular trimming is key to bushy growth: each cut stem produces two or more side shoots below the cut, and repeated trimming creates an increasingly dense group. It can also be grown emersed in shallow water, where it will flower.