Rotala rotundifolia is one of the rare species of exotic plants with which you can create a harmonious underwater world or admire this beauty for a long time in a humid greenhouse.
Not a single aquarium, even if the most beautiful fish live in it, can not look attractive if there is no live vegetation in it. In the list of aquatic plants, the Indian Rotala is far from last; a photo of this plant is in front of you.
If the question arises, what needs to be done so that this exotic herb successfully lives and develops in your small home "pond", you will find the answer in this article. Here are all the recommendations about growing this vegetation and about caring for it.
Rotala rotundifolia or Indian rotala: description
Rotala rotundifolia during growth has a vertical arrangement, the height of the main stems is about 25 cm. Pretty pretty leaves are placed on the branches in pairs. Those that are located in the water, have an oblong shape and a bright green color, the leaves above the water are rounded. In strong light, their color on the underside turns red.
Side branches grow on the main stem, the formation of which occurs very quickly. In this case, the stem is exposed, and the grown dense growths begin to put a shadow on the lower part of the plant. Leaves in the shade take on a pale, unattractive appearance. Such dense thickets in the aquarium must be regularly removed, leaving young twigs. Thanks to cleaning, the bush will look pretty.
Rotala Indian has a powerful creeping rhizome. It has a large number of leaf buds, due to which there is a strong growth of branches.
Habitat
Under natural conditions, rotala rotundifolia or Indian rotala can be found in all warm regions of the earth, especially in the tropics - water bodies in the south of East Asia. Sometimes the plant lives in the Caucasus.
The growing area of Indian Rotala is China, Laos, India, Vietnam, less often Nepal and some areas of the Himalayas. Fans of aquariums are mainly engaged in the cultivation of rotata rotundifolia, which is found in India and China.
Rotala indian: contents
This long-stemmed plant can be kept both in an aquarium and in a wet greenhouse. Fans of the home water world use it relatively rarely. Rotala Indian is best suited for growth in a tropical type of aquarium at temperatures exceeding 24 degrees. In colder water, the plant completely stops its growth. The same effect has on the development of rotala and water hardness: with a total hardness of more than 12 degrees, it simply dies.
Water for the aquarium in which this plant will be kept must have a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Alkaline water is considered unsatisfactory, the plant located in it is not marked by good development.
To place an aquarium with this tropical magnificent beauty you need closer to the side walls of the room. With this content, the plant is able to develop throughout the year. Growing rotala can be successfully engaged in the palladium. Under favorable conditions of detention, this exotic miracle is able to form surface shoots with beautiful leaves and delight with its color.
Care
One of the indispensable conditions for Indian rotala care is thinning. The grass is prone to rapid growth, that's why bushes need regular maintenance. Extra stems can be easily pulled out of the water without damaging the rest.
Old trunks, if necessary, must be replaced with new young shoots. You need to do this in this way: tear off the upper part of the old trunk by about 5-6 cm, while completely remove the barrel, immediately put the cooked top in its place. A young shoot takes root pretty quickly.
Vegetation does not need to be fed with any fertilizers, it is advisable only to periodically change the water. It is recommended that much attention be given to lighting during maintenance and care; it should be moderately bright. When there is not enough light, the shoots are stretched, they acquire a pale color, this spoils the appearance of water grass. With an excess of overhead lighting, the leaves are covered with a bloom of algae, which have a negative effect on the plant. For each aquarium, it is necessary to choose the right lighting for each aquarium. Daylight hours should be about 12 hours.
Rotala breeding
Indian Rotala can reproduce normally only at high temperatures of air and water (at least 26-30 degrees). We should not forget about such an important breeding condition as bright lighting and permissible high humidity. In the aquarium, the plant can be placed immediately after the greenhouse. Its growth with such a "relocation" will stop a little, then continue at an intense pace. Rotala will form shoots with already elongated leaves, which is typical for underwater green inhabitants.
Planting
Rotala Indian, growing in an aquarium, has a poorly developed root system. Representatives of this species are recommended to be planted in the ground, then they will look beautiful, developing at full strength. Can be left floating.
If the propagation of Indian Rotala is carried out by the method of cuttings, then in this case the stem is immediately planted in soil under water. Under these planting conditions, shoots grow rapidly. Plants floating in water are marked by slower development.
