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Rotala Rotundifolia
Rotala rotundifolia
Care level: Moderate
Native to the rice paddies and wetlands of Southeast Asia, Rotala rotundifolia is one of the most widely grown aquascaping stem plants thanks to how dramatically its small, round leaves shift from green to pink or deep red under strong light. Aquascapers often plant dense groups of trimmed stems, known as a "Dutch-style" hedge, to build color contrast against green foreground carpets.
Green Rotala rotundifoliaRotala ColorataRotala H'ra
Light
High light needed (~40-60 PAR) for compact, colorful growth; under weak light it grows tall, thin, and stays green.
Water
Weekly 20-30% water changes; prefers pH 6.0-7.0, 22-28°C, soft to moderately hard water.
CO2 & Feeding
Injected CO2 strongly recommended for dense, colorful growth and to prevent legginess; a heavy nutrient feeder that benefits from regular liquid fertilizing.
Substrate
Nutrient-rich aquasoil supports strong root development, though it also draws significant nutrients through its leaves from the water column.
Temperature
22-28°C.
Tank Placement
Background
Common mistake
Rotala only develops its signature pink-to-red coloration under strong light combined with good nutrients, in a low-light tank it stays plain green and often grows leggy, which is frequently mistaken for a different, less colorful variety.
Care by Season
Spring
Fast growth resumes; begin regular top-trimming to build a dense hedge as stems lengthen.
Summer
Peak growth and coloration under strong light, trim every one to two weeks and replant cuttings to maintain density.
Autumn
Growth slows; reduce fertilizer dosing slightly as demand drops.
Winter
Coloration and growth both diminish in cooler, dimmer conditions; trim less frequently.
Growing & Maintenance
Planting
Plant the stems in nutrient-rich aquasoil, in the background.
Fertilising
A heavy feeder. Dose fertiliser regularly, including iron and micronutrients.
Trimming
Trim the tops every one to two weeks in peak growth to build a dense group.
Propagation
Replant the cut tips. Cutting also makes the stem branch lower down.
Pests & Diseases
Common problems
Staying green and not turning red
Most likely cause: Too little light, or too few nutrients.
What to do: Increase the light and dose iron and micronutrients.
Leggy stems with wide gaps between the leaves
Most likely cause: Weak light.
What to do: Give it high light and trim the tips regularly.
Yellowing leaves
Most likely cause: Nutrient deficiency.
What to do: Increase the iron and micronutrient dose.
Tall, thin growth
Most likely cause: No CO2 under strong demand.
What to do: Inject CO2 for dense, compact growth.
Colour and growth fading in winter
Most likely cause: Cooler, dimmer conditions.
What to do: Keep the water at 22-28°C and trim less often.
Pests & Diseases
Leggy growth with wide leaf spacing
Signs: Long bare sections between leaves, especially lower on the stem
Treatment: Increase light intensity, trim tips regularly, and replant cuttings closer together to encourage bushier growth.
Nutrient deficiency (yellowing)
Signs: New growth pale or stunted despite strong light
Treatment: Check and increase iron and micronutrient dosing, since red-leaved stem plants are heavy nutrient consumers.
FAQ
Why is my Rotala staying green instead of turning red?
Red coloration requires strong light and adequate nutrients, particularly iron and micronutrients, increase light intensity and check fertilizer dosing if the plant stays green.
How do I keep Rotala bushy instead of leggy?
Regularly pinch or cut the growing tips and replant them; this encourages side shoots to branch out lower on the stem, creating a fuller, bushier hedge over time.
Does Rotala rotundifolia need CO2?
It is strongly recommended. Injected CO2 gives dense, colourful growth and prevents legginess.
How much light does Rotala rotundifolia need?
High light. Under weak light it grows tall and thin and stays green.
What water does Rotala rotundifolia need?
Soft to moderately hard water at pH 6.0-7.0 and 22-28°C. Change 20-30% of the water every week.
How do I propagate Rotala rotundifolia?
From cuttings. Cut the growing tips and replant them, and the trimmed stems branch out below the cut.
