Data sheet Rotala wallichii
German name:
Fine-leaved Rotala
Scientific name:
Rotala wallichii
Attitude:
bright, nutrient-rich aquariums
Size:
up to 40cm
Temperature:
18 – 28°C
pH:
5 – 7
GH:
6 – 14°dH
CH:
~12°dH
propagation:
cuttings
Look
© Rudi Schmid
© Rudi Schmid
Colorful stems and side shoots of the Rotala wallichii, which are closely arranged next to each other, delight aquarium owners worldwide. What looks like one dense plant wall are in truth small, narrow and elongated shoots that line up next to each other. There are many green plants for aquariums, those with bright colors are rare. Thanks to her colorful Rottones it enjoys popularity Rotala wallichii.
If the environmental conditions are right, the plant presents itself as fast-growing with a few centimeters wide side shoots and in bright colors. Apart from the optics, the plant is also popular with shrimp and other small animals, because the dense foliage offers protection and food.
distribution
Rotala wallichii is native to the slightly acidic waters of Southeast Asia. While growing naturally in the areas between northern Afghanistan and the southern coast of Papua New Guinea, it is used by aquarium owners worldwide to enhance their home underwater environment.
husbandry conditions
The bright colors of the aquatic plant stand out in any busy aquarium. There are countless green plants, but colorful and especially red ones are rare. The Red one mossweed is ideal for setting accents between other plants.
The wide range of colors that can be seen in healthy plants from bright pink, through yellow-orange to deep red tonesbut needs some attention and affection.
On the one hand, intensive lighting is essential for the growth and development of the colors of the plant. The closer the plants grow to the surface of the water and the light source, the more the plant unfolds and presents its colors even more strongly.
Likewise, the use of fertilizer is essential to keep the plant healthy. Rotala wallichii needs an increased CO2 content. This should be around 20 – 30 mg CO2 per liter of water and can best be regulated using a bio-CO2 system or a pressure bottle system. Other nutrients must not be neglected and may have to be added. The nitrate content must never be close to 0 mg or more than 15 mg nitrate per liter of water.
It is best to keep the nitrate level between 1 and 10mg. An increased phosphate content of 1 – 2 mg per liter is also required. In addition, heavy fertilization with iron and other micronutrients does not harm the plant in any way. When the plant feels a lack of nutrients or light, it grows slowly and turns a light shade of green. If the conditions are right, the plant will grow rapidly and bloom in a rich, strong colour.
To stop the growth, the head shoot of the plant can be cut off and planted again as a cutting in the substrate. The Rotala wallichii can be used in the entire aquarium. Either through regular trimming around in foreground to set isolated accents, or grown taller in the midground or background combination with other plants to emphasize the color contrast.