Rotala Wallichii

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Rotala wallichii

• Common Name: Wallich's Rotala

• Origin: Southeast Asia (India, Thailand, Vietnam)

• Height: 20–40 cm (8–16 inches)

• pH: 5.5 – 7.0

• Care: Difficult

• Light: High

• CO₂: Required

• Propagation: Stem cuttings

• Growth Rate: Moderate

🌱 Care Notes

• Leaf Texture & Appearance: Rotala wallichii is a fine-leaved, soft-stemmed plant with delicate, needle-like leaves arranged in dense whorls around the stem. The coloration ranges from green at the base to pink, red, or purple at the tips under intense light and CO₂. Its feathery, ornamental look makes it a standout in aquascapes.

• Placement: Best used in the midground to background as a focal group. Because of its unique texture, it's often used in Dutch-style aquascapes for contrast and color layering.

• Water Conditions: Requires soft, slightly acidic water, with temperatures of 22–28°C (72–82°F). Very sensitive to poor or fluctuating water quality.

• Lighting: High light is essential for compact growth and intense coloration. Inadequate light leads to stunted growth and loss of color.

• CO₂: Absolutely required. Without CO₂ injection, this plant typically does not thrive or will grow very slowly and weakly.

• Fertilization: Needs regular dosing with micronutrients and macronutrients, especially iron and phosphate. It is sensitive to deficiencies, which will show quickly in poor color and sparse growth.

• Propagation: Via stem cuttings. Tops can be trimmed and replanted. Bottom stems may need replacement over time as they become weak or shaded.

• Growth Rate: Moderate, but can be slow if ideal conditions aren’t met. Requires careful trimming to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.