Rotala Indika is a plant that truly lives up to its enchanting name; it is frequently referred to as the "charming fairy of the underwater kingdom." Any aquarium is magically enhanced by its vivid colors and delicate, feathery leaves. This exquisite plant is renowned for its elegant appearance and capacity to turn a plain tank into a breathtaking underwater scene.
Rotala Indika is a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts because it is native to India and grows well in a range of aquatic environments. Under the correct circumstances, its lush, green foliage can turn shades of pink and red, making a striking contrast with other plants and fish. Due to its versatility, it’s a fantastic option for both novice and experienced aquarists wishing to improve their underwater garden.
In addition to being gorgeous, Rotala Indika requires little maintenance. It grows well in both high and low light conditions, though brighter lighting tends to bring out the most vibrant colors in it. Additionally, it can tolerate a variety of water conditions, making it a tolerant plant for beginners who are still perfecting their aquarium setup.
It’s like bringing a little bit of fanciful magic into your aquatic environment when you add Rotala Indika to your aquarium. With its gorgeous appearance and simple maintenance, it’s a fun addition that will add a little magic to your underwater haven.
Rotala Indica, sometimes referred to as the "charming fairy" of the aquarium industry, adds charm and refinement to any underwater scene. It’s a favorite among aquarists because of the striking visual contrast created by its vivid green color and delicate, needle-like leaves. This plant not only makes an aquarium look more beautiful, but it also offers practical advantages like better water quality and fish shelter. The striking appearance and low maintenance needs of Rotala Indica make it a delightful addition to any aquatic landscape, regardless of experience level.
Description of the plant
Belongs to the Rotal genus and class of pink. Being a hydrobionna, it actively participates in the aquatic environment’s metering processes.
Different types of Indika rotals can be identified by the quantity of sheet plates within the mutovka.
- The most decorative variety. Two red sheets up to 2 cm long and up to 5 mm wide.
- Less beautiful rotal. Subspecies with 3 oblong sheets. The bush does not look as magnificent as the previous.
- Plant with 4 leaves in mutovka. It does not look so original and less often used in the creation of watercapes.
The option with two leaf blades is the most favored one. The leaves of the other subspecies are narrower.
- Stem – round, up to 25 cm long, vertically located in relation to the rhizome.
- Leaves – narrow when underwater and rounded when above water.
- Color of leaf blades – emerald, pale green, light green, purple and pink.
- Rhizome – creeping, covered with leaf buds.
- Flowers – inexpressive and do not represent any aesthetic value.
Rotala Indica grows lateral shoots quickly, forming a compact, dense bush.
Area of distribution
The Southeast is home to the plant. Following the "discovery," people moved to Italy, Transcaucasia, and North America. These days, it can be found in every warm body of water on Earth. Rotala is an aquatic plant that prefers to bloom aloft.
Growing and care
There are a number of reasons why aquarium culture is erratic. Quick-growing, long-stemmed plants fall into the category of erratic specimens because of their softness and sensitivity to the hydrochemical characteristics of the water. Varieties with reddish-purple leaves are equally demanding.
Indian Rotala has developed into a welcome deviation from these guidelines. The plant does not place a high demand on its maintenance requirements. It is comparable to Riccia in its unpretentiousness.
Generally advised actions for care:
- It is preferable to keep it in a tropical aquarium.
- Rotala is good to use when starting a herbalist as an engine of the natural cycle.
- The optimal layout is the front or along the side walls.
- The preferred planting scheme is in groups of 20 branches.
- In most cases, Rotala grows faster than other aquarium crops and often outgrows the threshold of "aesthetic" height. Therefore, the plant needs to be trimmed weekly. You should also regularly rejuvenate the thickets by cutting off old branches.
- It looks more impressive growing in the ground than floating in the water column.
- During the active growth phase, the lower leaf blades may be shaded, which leads to the stem being exposed.
- When small roots form on the stems lining the water surface, it is necessary to plant the rotala in the soil. Otherwise, it will grow slowly.
- A plant taken from a paludarium or greenhouse can be immediately transplanted into a herb garden. The acclimatization period is relatively short.
- Shoots released onto the surface of the water surface may bloom, but they will lose their decorative qualities.
Throughout transit, the plant needs to stay moist. If not, it will start to dry out and eventually die.
Optimal parameters of the aquatic environment
The weekly replacement of one-fourth of the total volume is required to ensure that the water in the herb garden is always clean. Turbidity has a detrimental effect on the rotala’s aesthetic attributes.
Maintaining control over the water column’s level is also crucial. It ought to be level with the plant. The supply of carbon dioxide is optional. The amount of atmospheric CO2 that dissolves in water is adequate.
- temperature — 24-28°C;
- carbonate hardness —1-10° kH;
- pH —5-7;
- total hardness —2-12° dH.
Heat is a favoritism of Rotala Indica. Its growth is retarded if the temperature deviates from ideal levels. likes water that is either mildly hard or soft. In the alkaline reaction of the aquatic environment, rotala does not develop well.
Lighting requirements
Lighting has a direct impact on Rotala’s aesthetic qualities. Bright, intense light (between 80 and 100+ Lm/l) is preferred by the plant. There are twelve hours of ideal daylight. Plants should be placed closer to sources of light.
A lighting system can be constructed according to the color of the immature leaf blades. They become red in comfortable conditions. It is important to remember that too much lighting can cause algae to grow, which can be detrimental to the culture’s survival. Insufficient light causes the leaves to become pale and the stem to elongate. Rotala can normally withstand brief shadowing.
Soil quality
Not too silted, preferably fertile soil. It is appropriate to use coarse sand or a porous substrate spread out in a layer as thick as 7 cm.
Need for feeding
Water provides the plant with all the essential elements it needs, so fertilizer is not needed.
Features of reproduction
Propagated using stem slices. It is advised to cut shoots that are between 8 and 10 cm long. You should use extreme caution and avoid making too much contact with your hands when handling the plant.
Name variations
Within the aquarist community, Rotala Indica is referred to by various names:
- Rotala Red;
- Rotala Green;
- Rotala rotundifolia;
- Rotala Indian.
The numerous hybrids within this species are the reason for the name confusion. The penultimate option, according to a number of breeders, is more accurate, and the last one is from a different species.
To further confuse lovers of aquaflora, the Round-leaved has several common subspecies.
| Feature | Description |
| Common Name | Rotala Indica |
| Appearance | Bright green with red tips when grown in good light |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Height | 6-12 inches |
| Light Requirements | High light for best color |
| Water Conditions | Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Propagation | Can be propagated by cutting and replanting |
| Special Notes | Adds a vibrant splash of color to the aquarium |
When it comes to aquarium plants, Rotala Indica is a real treasure. Any underwater setup is made more magical by its vivid colors and delicate, feathery leaves. This plant’s charm and ease of maintenance make it a great option for enhancing the beauty of your aquarium, regardless of your level of experience as an aquarium hobbyist.
The versatility of Rotala Indica is one of its best qualities. It is a flexible choice for a range of aquarium settings because it can flourish in a variety of lighting and water conditions. Because of its versatility, you can appreciate its exquisite appearance without having to be an expert in plant maintenance.
Apart from its aesthetic value, Rotala Indica contributes to the preservation of a thriving aquatic ecosystem. It facilitates the absorption of nutrients and can support a healthy ecosystem in your tank. It is a worthy addition to any aquarium because of its aesthetic value and practical benefit.
All in all, Rotala Indica makes a delightful addition to any aquarium thanks to its captivating presence and laid-back disposition. It adds a touch of enchantment to your underwater environment and is a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts due to its adaptability to different environments. Rotala Indica is an excellent choice if you want to give your tank a little fairy-tale appeal.
