Rotala Vietnam H'Ra care guide
Rotala Vietnam H'Ra (Rotala sp. 'Vietnam H'Ra') — high light, 22-28 °C, pH 5.5-7, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Rotala Vietnam H'Ra (Rotala sp. 'Vietnam H'Ra') is an aquatic plant of the family Lythraceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under high light with pressurised CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A popular Vietnamese Rotala variety with narrow leaves that turn intense pink to magenta under high light with CO2. Grows faster and is more forgiving than many red Rotalas, making it an excellent entry point into demanding colored stem plants.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lythraceae
- Genus: Rotala
- Scientific name: Rotala sp. 'Vietnam H'Ra'
- Common synonyms: Rotala sp. Vietnam
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 Vietnam.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 30 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: background
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 background under high 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.