ROTALA WALLICHII

Originating from South East Asia, Rotala wallichii is a fairly demanding plant however given good light will develop most attractive red shoot tips from the plant. We recommend that you plant in large groups to gain the most dramatic and decorative effect. An ideal foreground plant suitable for nano aquariums and can be maintained by occasional trimming.

We also know this wine-colored plant as Whorly Rotala, which is Rotala Wallichii’s other known familiar name. It is a stem plant that yields flowering spikes. Dependent on the light, its delicate leaves are a combination of red and brown, but can turn to purple or pink.

Rotala walichii is a good foreground plant if kept well trimmed and is also good as background and midground plant because it is easy to prune if it grows too tall.

CO2 addition boosts growth considerably. It also prefers soft, slightly acidic water. This plant grows best when nitrates are not allowed to reach zero but not kept over 20-25 ppm. R. wallichii appreciates relatively high phosphate levels (1-2 ppm) and heavy iron/micronutrient dosing. When conditions are good, this plant will reward the hobbyist with luxuriant, bright pink, orange, or deep red stems one inch or greater in diameter. Unfortunately, it is a frequent target of fish and invertebrates inclined to browse on aquatic vegetation, so care should be taken when choosing fauna.