Does Rotala Rotundifolia need CO2?

Rotala Rotundifolia grows without CO2, but slower and less dense. Liquid carbon or injection makes the difference between a thin patch and a full carpet.

What light does Rotala Rotundifolia need?

Rotala Rotundifolia is a medium-light plant. Most modern aquarium LEDs cover this. Anything sold as planted-tank-ready works. The stock hood on a basic shop tank usually does not.

Is Rotala Rotundifolia safe for shrimp?

Yes. Rotala Rotundifolia is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.

Image: Wikimedia Commons — attribution available on this site.

Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.

easymedium lightNo CO2 neededfast growthstem

Rotala Rotundifolia

Q: Is Rotala Rotundifolia beginner-friendly?

Rotala Rotundifolia is rated easy for difficulty. Plant in bunches; trim the tops and replant for a bushy background. Higher light will bring out red/orange colouring. Easy to propagate from cuttings.

Rotala rotundifolia

Rotala rotundifolia is a popular, fast-growing stem plant whose leaves shift from green to pink-orange under high light with CO2. In lower light it stays green and grows more slowly. Works well in background groups, creating a soft, feathery effect.

Care at a glance

Difficultyeasy

Lightmedium

CO2Beneficial

FertiliserNot essential

Growth ratefast

Max height50cm

Placementbackground

Min tank30L

Water parameters

Temperature20–28°C

pH6–7.5

Shrimp safeYes

Herbivore risklow

Propagationstem cuttings

Beginner guidance

Plant in bunches; trim the tops and replant for a bushy background. Higher light will bring out red/orange colouring. Easy to propagate from cuttings.

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