Rotala indica – Aquatic Plant (Large Pot)
Note: Based on availability, we may ship either the emersed or submersed form of Rotala indica. These forms differ in leaf shape, but both transition smoothly once adapted to your aquarium.
Quick Overview:
Quantity: Large Pot
Origin: South-East Asia (Native to India)
Plant Positioning: Midground & Background
Light Requirement: Medium
CO₂ Requirement: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Botanical Classification:
Order: Myrtales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Rotala
Species: R. indica
About the Plant:
Rotala indica is a beloved aquarium plant, widely appreciated for its delicate beauty and vibrant hues. Native to India, it is a flowering stem plant that grows both emersed (above water) and submersed (underwater), making it highly adaptable to various aquascaping styles.
Its soft, slender stems can grow up to 60 cm tall. As the plant matures, the upper parts take on a reddish tint. Leaves are typically oblong (around 3 cm), with the upper side appearing green and the underside showing pink tones. Under strong light, nutrient-rich conditions, or added CO₂, these colors can shift to yellow, orange, or red. A distinguishing feature is the plant’s small, pink, four-petaled flowers, which bloom from triangular sepals at the axils. Given the right conditions, Rotala indica can develop into dense, bushy clusters, providing both aesthetic appeal and cover for aquatic life.
Propagation & Planting Tips:
Rotala indica is delicate and may break if handled roughly. Active fish can also damage its soft stems.
Propagates easily via stem cuttings; new roots form at the nodes.
For best results, space each stem 2 cm apart in the substrate.
Suitable substrates include fine gravel or sand; darker substrates enhance its colors.
When replanting trimmings, remove the lower leaves and insert the stem at least 1 inch into the substrate.
Allow newly introduced plants to acclimate. Temporary fading or dullness is normal during adaptation.
Growth & Maintenance:
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents overcrowding.
Pruned tops can be replanted to propagate new stems.
Occasional seed production through natural flowering is possible.
Ideal Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 3–8 dGH
Light: Moderate to High
CO₂: 20–30 mg/L
Nitrates: ~5 mg/L
Phosphates: 1.5–2 mg/L
Nutrients: Requires iron-rich fertilizer and sufficient potassium
Why Choose Rotala indica for Your Aquarium?
This easy-care stem plant is ideal for beginners and hobbyists alike. It adapts well to a wide range of water conditions, grows quickly, and adds a vibrant touch of green and red to your aquascape. Whether placed in the background or midground, Rotala indica makes an eye-catching, low-maintenance addition to any tank.
Shipping Availability in India:
We deliver Rotala indica across multiple Indian states, including:
Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.