Rotala Wallichii (Rotala wallichii) Care Guide

A delicate stem plant with extremely fine needle-like leaves arranged in dense whorls that turn vivid pink to red under high light.

Overview

Rotala wallichii is an aquatic plant in the family Lythraceae. A delicate stem plant with extremely fine needle-like leaves arranged in dense whorls that turn vivid pink to red under high light. One of the most beautiful aquarium plants when thriving, but demands pristine water quality and stable CO2 levels.

Taxonomy

Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Rotala
Scientific name: Rotala wallichii
Other names: Whorly Rotala

Habitat

A stem plant in the family Lythraceae from tropical Asia. Inhabits sluggish wetlands; the submerged form develops needle-like leaves arranged in whorls and intensifies to pink-red tones under bright light.

Growth requirements

Light: high (≥80 PAR at substrate)
CO2: pressurised CO2 recommended
Temperature: 22-28 °C
pH: 5.5-7
GH: 1-6 °dGH
Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil or fertilised gravel
Nutrient demand: high
Growth rate: medium
Difficulty: advanced

Placement

Recommended placement: background
Maximum height: 30 cm
Trim every: 10 days

Propagation

In cultivation the plant is propagated by stem cuttings (replant the upper portion after trimming).