Rotala 'Green': The Versatile Aquascape Stem Plant

Rotala rotundifolia 'Green' is a classic and highly popular aquatic stem plant tissue culture in the family Lythraceae. This specific variant is prized for its ability to maintain a beautiful, bright green hue even under high-intensity aquarium lighting, where other varieties of R. rotundifolia often turn pink or red.

As an amphibious plant native to Southeast Asia, Rotala rotundifolia exhibits heterophylly, meaning its leaf shape changes drastically between its emerged (above water) and submerged (underwater) forms. When purchased in its typically grown emerged form, the leaves are often round (rotundifolia means "round-leaved"), but once planted submerged, the new growth will feature the desirable narrow, long, and lanceolate leaves.

The Rotala 'Green' is a fast and vigorous growing tissue culture, making it excellent for achieving a sense of lush density in an aquascape. It is highly valued for its adaptability, performing well in a wide range of water conditions and making it suitable for both beginner (low-tech) and advanced (high-tech) planted tanks.

Care & Aquascaping:

• Lighting: Requires Moderate to High lighting. While it can survive in lower light, medium to high lighting is necessary for optimal growth density and a compact, bushy appearance.
• CO₂ Injection: CO₂ supplementation is Highly Recommended for fast, lush, and vigorous growth, which encourages side-shoots for a dense bush. The plant is considered beginner-friendly and will still grow without CO₂, but at a slower, leggier pace.
• Fertilization: This plant is a heavy nutrient feeder. It benefits greatly from a nutrient-rich substrate (like aquasoil) and regular dosing of a comprehensive liquid fertilizer containing Macronutrients (NPK) and Micronutrients (especially Iron) for health and compact growth.
• Placement: Due to its height potential, it is primarily used as a Midground or Background plant. With very high light and frequent trimming, it can be kept short and bushy, allowing it to be used as a dense midground accent or even a carpeting effect in Dutch-style aquascapes.
• Trimming & Propagation: Frequent trimming is essential to maintain a bushy, compact appearance. Cut the tops and replant the cuttings to easily propagate the plant. New side shoots will sprout from the nodes below the cut, increasing density. Pruning should be done every 2-4 weeks in a high-tech setup.
• Tank Compatibility: Peaceful. It can be paired safely with all non-herbivorous fish and invertebrates, but a fast growth rate is necessary to outcompete algae.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Rotala rotundifolia 'Green' sp.
• Primary Common Name: Rotala 'Green'
• Other Common Names: Green Rotala, Rotala Rotundifolia Green, Rotala Indica Green (often mislabeled)
• Origin: Cultivar (Species is native to South/Southeast Asia)
• Max Size: 12-30+ inches (30-80+ cm) in height, depending on trimming.
• Temperament: Peaceful (Aquatic Stem Plant)
• Care Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• CO₂: Beneficial but not mandatory (Mandatory for optimal dense growth)
• Growth Rate: Medium to Very Fast
• Water Parameters: pH 5.5-8.0; Temp 68-86°F (20-30°C); Soft to Hard water.