Rotala sp. 'Yao Yai' Care Guide

Rotala sp. 'Yao Yai' is a Thai locality stem plant of the Lythraceae family that turns light red to orange-red under strong light and CO2.

Overview

Rotala sp. 'Yao Yai' is a locality form of Rotala from Thailand, in the family Lythraceae. In the trade it is treated as equivalent to the rotundifolia 'Colorata' form. It takes on an especially intense light-red to orange-red colour under good light.

Taxonomy

Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Rotala
Scientific name: Rotala sp. 'Yao Yai'
Trade note: treated as equivalent to R. rotundifolia 'Colorata'

Habitat

The form is associated with a locality in Thailand. Within the genus, round-leaved Rotala such as R. rotundifolia grow as common weeds in rice paddies and wet places across South and Southeast Asia, with the submerged leaf form being narrow and lanceolate.

Tank requirements

Temperature: 22-28 °C
pH: 5.5-7.0
GH: 1-8 °dGH
Lighting: high
CO2: required
Maximum height: about 30 cm
Placement: midground

Care and growth

Strong lighting and CO2 injection are recommended for optimal colour development and growth. The leaves are narrow and the stems have an overhanging to horizontal growth habit. As with related round-leaved Rotala, balanced macro- and micronutrient supply via the water column supports vigorous growth.

Propagation

Propagation is by cuttings replanted into the substrate. Regular trimming promotes branching and a denser group.