This species of Rotala grows in the shallow waters and wet ground of its native Vietnam. With moderate light, it will grow into a plant with green, needle-like leaves and a red stem, while intense light will give the leaves a lovely golden color. CO2 injection, iron, and a micronutrient-rich substrate are necessary to help the plant grow its best, and it will quickly have long shoots growing along the water’s surface if it is not trimmed. The top and lateral shoots can be cut and replanted to propagate the Rotala.
Its size and shape make the Vietnamese Rotala excellent in the midground or background, depending on how frequently you trim it, and its color will contrast well with green as well as red/pink plants, especially if planted in a tank dominated by other stem plants.
Genus: Rotala
Family Name: Lythraceae
Origin: Vietnam
Height: 1.2” - 7.8”
pH: 4.5 - 7.0
Care: Medium
Light: Medium to High
Co2: Medium to High
Propagation: Cuttings
Growth Rate: Fast