Rotala rotundifolia 'Green'

Overview: Rotala rotundifolia ‘Green’ belongs to the Lythraceae family. It is originated in Asia and popular with the name Rotala sp. ‘Green .’What makes this specie of Rotala unique are its green color leaves that never fade and keep on getting intense under strong light. The bushy and overhanging growing habit is another peculiar feature that makes Rotala rotundifolia ‘Green’ unique and attractive. It requires regular trimming to attain faster growth of the plant. It is easy to care for and maintain and does not have very high demands. Even beginners can try Rotala rotundifolia ‘Green’ in their tanks for stunning aquascaping. It is suitable to grow as a mid-ground or background plant. 

Appearance: This Asiatic specie of Rotala is almost similar to Rotala rotundifolia other than the leaves that remain bright green and fresh even under high light intensity. It is a stem plant in which the stem grows up to 40 to 50 cm long and 2 to 3 cm wide. When the right water parameters are given, the plant develops side shoots that obtain hanging and bushy growth. Since the growth rate is fast, regular pruning becomes essential to maintain healthy growth. When grown in the submerged condition the plant exhibits the following characteristics-

• Leaves and stem remain purely green
• Shows a weeping habit wherein the shoots grow upright but then bow down
• Will always have only two leaves per node. 

Hard/soft plant: Even though Rotala rotundifolia ‘Green’ is a hardy stem plant that can tolerate minor fluctuations in water parameters. 

Ideal water temperature: This specie of Rotala can tolerate a wide temperature range of 4 to 32 degrees Celsius. The general hardness of the water should not exceed 30°dGH, and carbonate hardness should remain between 0 - 14°dKH. 

Lightening conditions: There is no specific demand for high light intensity, and this plant can thrive well under low and medium light conditions. The best part is even under high light, the leaves do not turn red as in other Rotala species, and the foliage stays light green. 

Ideal pH level: The most suitable range for pH is 4 to 7.

Propagation: It is a stem plant that propagates through stem cutting. Cut the stalk with the help of a scissor and plant it on the substrate. After a few days, the cutting develops roots and establishes itself as the parent plant. 

Do you know: Rotala rotundifolia ‘Green’ will never show red color in any condition. It is a good way to know that you have received the right specie. If the plant’s stem shows a reddish tinge, it means some different species of Rotala have been traded.