Rotala wallichii: colorful strokes of swaying ears

The gorgeous aquatic plant Rotala wallichii has the ability to turn any aquarium into a colorful underwater scene. This plant gives your aquatic environment a dynamic and eye-catching element with its feathery, delicate leaves and vibrant colors.

Regardless of your level of experience, Rotala wallichii provides a special method to improve the aesthetic appeal of your tank. Its beautiful, swaying stems and range of colors combine to create an artistic yet natural appearance that draws in fish and spectators in equal measure.

This post will discuss the unique qualities of Rotala wallichii and how to successfully keep them in your aquarium. You’ll find all the information you need to enjoy this lovely plant in your aquatic setup, from growing conditions ideal to tips for preserving its vivid colors.

Spread

Rotala wallichii is a plant found in aquariums that is native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly found in Thailand, Laos, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, India, and rice fields and marshlands.

The culture quickly spread throughout the world after American aquarists brought it to the country. It is particularly well-liked in the Netherlands and Scandinavia.

Growing and care

It is more common to associate Rotala wallichii with submerged plants than with fully aquatic ones. This hardy amphibian can only thrive with the right care. When pruning and transplanting into new soil, you should exercise extra caution. This is one of the most delicate species of rotala to handle.

The primary challenge in maintaining it is giving the leaves a red hue. The color of the leaf blades varies from a soft pink to red, purple, and purple depending on the hydrochemical parameters and lighting.

Recommendations for general care:

• The plant is grown both rooted in the soil and free-floating in water. The color of the leaves and the shape of the bushes will be different depending on the conditions of maintenance.
• Aquarists" opinions on the optimal planting plan for this plant differ. Western fans of underwater aquaflora tend to place it in groups in the central part. Domestic ones prefer to distribute it evenly in the background. Since rotala can be shortened, it is also suitable for the frontal zone. In any case, it is important to take into account that the plant does not branch well, so it is advisable to plant it in a group, separately from all the plants in the aquarium.

• Place it in a tank of any volume, but the plant achieves its best decorative qualities at a water level no higher than 20 cm.
• Rotala wallichii should only be placed in a tropical aquarium, the temperature of which does not fall below 22 ° C. In cool water, the plant"s growth stops.
• Almost all rotala grow well in humid greenhouses or paludariums.
• Average growth rate is up to 20 cm monthly.

An indication of appropriate care is the color of the leaf blades. In a bad climate, they become an unremarkable shade of olive.

Optimal indicators of the aquatic environment

The Rotala Wallichii is likewise subject to the water change rule. Weekly refreshing of up to 1/5 of the total volume is required.

Suggested hydrochemical parameters:

• temperature – 22-28 ° C;
• carbonate hardness – 1-10 ° kH;

• pH – 5.5-6.5;
• total hardness – 2-4 ° dH.

Soft water appeals to Rotala. A total hardness of more than 6 ° is not desired. The plant’s growth ceases when this indication rises.

Lighting requirements

Rotala Wallichii needs bright lighting, just like any other crop whose leaf blades are reddish in color. The leaves elongate and the decorative shade becomes leveled when there is insufficient light.

Direct sunlight exposure ought to be avoided, even though natural lighting is good for the life of the plant. On the other hand, algae covers the leaves. It is advised that daylight last for 12 hours.

Artificial lighting devices consist of fluorescent lamps of the LB type with a power of 0.5 W per 1 l and incandescent lamps with a power of 15 to 40 W, depending on the tank volume.

Soil quality

The degree of soil siltation is not a determining factor because of the poorly developed rhizome. The best substrate will be three centimeters of medium fraction river sand spread out in a layer.

Need for feeding

Chemical additions do not have a positive effect on Rotala wallichii. However, it is advised to add fertilizer because the concentration of the required nutrients in a closed aquarium system does not level out on its own.

phosphates – from 1 to 2 ppm;

nitrates – from 20 to 25 parts per million;

CO2 – from 15 to 25 mg / l.

It is crucial to keep an eye on the potassium level within the container. A mistake in concentration could result in less calcium being available. The plant will react to this by blanching the leaf blades and ceasing to grow right away.

Features of reproduction

Vegetatively propagated using stem cuttings.

Name variations

Additionally, Rotala wallichii goes by a number of colloquial names:

Given that this species bears the name of the botanist Nathaniel Wallich, it is more accurate to pronounce "Rotala wallichii" in Russian transcription. Some sources that are written in English refer to it as Whorly Rotala.

Rotala wallichii infuses any aquarium with a special fusion of color and movement. Aquascaping enthusiasts love it for the striking contrast it creates against other plants and fish thanks to its delicate, feathery stems and vibrant hues.

This plant can grow to be a vibrant addition to the underwater landscape in well-kept aquariums with regular trimming and good lighting. Rotala wallichii can become a focal point that completely changes the appearance of your aquarium if given the proper care.

Rotala wallichii improves the aesthetic appeal of your tank and helps maintain a healthy ecosystem. This plant offers a satisfying challenge that infuses your aquatic environment with beauty and vitality, regardless of your level of experience.

With its vivid, feathery red and pink stems, Rotala wallichii adds a flowing, dynamic beauty to any aquarium that stands out against other plants’ green foliage. Although this plant has a delicate appearance, it can thrive with the correct care and attention, turning your underwater landscape into a living piece of art.

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