Propagating Rotala sp. 'Singapore'

How to propagate the fine, bushy Rotala sp. 'Singapore' by cuttings: topping, replanting tops, encouraging side shoots, and keeping copper-red color in a high-tech tank.

Overview

Rotala is a genus in the loosestrife family (Lythraceae) of roughly 46 species, several of which are popular aquarium plants. Rotala sp. 'Singapore' is a fine, almost grass-like Asian variant with a feathery, pine-needle-like texture that takes on orange-pink to copper-red tones under strong light. It propagates exactly like other Rotala stems: by cuttings.

Propagation Method (Cuttings)

As a stem plant, 'Singapore' is multiplied only by cuttings; cultivars are propagated as the parent so each cutting reproduces the same fine form and color. Topping the stem removes the apical bud, which encourages lateral buds along the internodes so the replanted top and the remaining base both branch into denser growth.

Step-by-Step

Cut the top 5-10 cm off a healthy stem with clean scissors.
Strip the leaves from the lowest 2-3 cm of the cutting.
Replant the bare base of the cutting into aquasoil, spacing stems so light reaches each one.
Leave the rooted parent base in place; it will sprout side shoots from below the cut.
Once new tops reach trimming height, repeat to build a dense bush.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

'Singapore' rewards a high-tech setup. Give it plenty of light, CO2 injection and balanced fertilization; the copper-pink to red coloration develops only under high light. Soft, slightly acidic water suits it, and the fine leaves stay compact when light is intense from the surface to the substrate.

Trimming & Maintenance

Trim roughly every two weeks. Topping the bush and replanting the cut tops both maintains shape and produces propagation stock, since aquatic stems regrow roots quickly after replanting. As an alternative, pick out and snip only the longest individual strands to even the canopy without removing the whole top.

Common Challenges

Loss of red color and stretched stems usually mean too little light, CO2 or iron.
Bare lower stems from shading: thin the bush and let light reach the base.
Submersed growth differs from the firmer emersed form, so freshly converted stems may melt before adapting.