Family: Lythraceae
Continent: Asia
Region: South-east Asia
Height: 15-24"
Width: 1"+
Light requirements: medium-very high
Temperature: 64-86°F
Hardness tolerance: very soft-hard
pH tolerance: 5-8
Growth: fast
Demands: easy
The Latin name means ''the plant with the round leaves''. But this
only applies to the marsh variety, which has circular leaves. In aquariums
Rotala rotundifolia has long, thin leaves. Unlike other Rotala species
it is relatively undemanding, although it needs good light to produce
red leaves. It forms side shoots willingly, becoming compact and bushy.
This also means that it is hard for light to reach the lower leaves,
so the plant should be pruned frequently. Also known as Rotala indica.
For trimming this plant I just cut the amount of
lenght off the top of the plant. The tops were cut will then usually
fork and start growing 2 new shoots. The trimmed tops can be replanted,
which will start a new plant. I have also seen where a runner will
grow across the bottom of the tank and from the runner new shoots
will grow toward the top of the water.
