The Latin name means "the plant with the round leaves'', but this only applies to the marsh variety, which has circular leaves. Rotala rotundifolia from South-East Asia has 15-30 long stems (2-3 cm wide) and long, narrow 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.

Plant info

Type:	Stem
Origin:	Asia
Country or continent where a plant is the most common. Cultivars arise or are bred in cultivation.
Growth rate:	Medium
Growth rate of the plant compared to other aquatic plants.
Height:	15 - 30+
Average height (cm) of the plant after two months in the tank.
Light demand:	Low
The average or medium light demand of an aquarium plant is 0,5 W/L.
CO2 :	Low
A medium need in CO2 is 6-14 mg/L. A high demand in CO2 is approx. 15-25 mg/L.