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Rotala rotundifolia (indica)

Tropica No. 033


Rotala rotundifolia

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Family Lythraceae
Part of the world South-east Asia
Height 40-60 cm
Width 3-+ cm
Light requirements medium-very high
Temperature 18-30oC
Hardness tolerance soft-hard
pH tolerance 5-8
Easiness easy

The Latin name means “the plant with the round leaves”. But this only applies to the marsh variety, which has circular leaves. In aquariums Rotala rotundifolia has long, thin leaves. Unlike other Rotala species it is relatively undemanding, although it needs good light to produce red leaves. It forms side shoots willingly, becoming compact and bushy. This also means that it is hard for light to reach the lower leaves, so the plant should be pruned frequently. Also known as Rotala indica.