Rotala Wallichii [Whorly Rotala]

🌿 Rotala Wallichii (Whorly Rotala)

Rotala Wallichii is a graceful stem plant admired for its delicate, fine-leaved appearance and vibrant color shifts from green to pink and red. It is a popular choice for aquascaping due to its soft, feathery texture and its ability to create stunning background contrasts in freshwater aquariums.

🔍 Key Features

• Fine, Feathery Leaves: Produces soft, needle-like foliage that forms dense, bushy clusters.

• Colorful Display: Exhibits green, pink, red, and sometimes purple hues under high light.

• Fast Grower: Quickly fills space with proper care, providing dynamic movement and texture.

• Aquascape Favorite: Ideal for midground to background placement to add depth and color contrast.

• Easy Propagation: Propagates by cutting and replanting healthy stems.

📐 Specifications

• Scientific Name: Rotala wallichii

• Common Names: Whorly Rotala

• Care Level: Moderate to Difficult

• Lighting Requirement: High

• CO₂ Requirement: Recommended

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Placement: Midground to Background

• Maximum Height: 4–12 inches (10–30 cm)

• Water Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

• pH Range: 5.5–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard (4–12 dGH)

🌱 Planting & Care Tips

• Substrate: Plant stems in nutrient-rich substrate to encourage strong root growth.

• Lighting: Provide intense lighting to maintain compact shape and vibrant color.

• CO₂ and Nutrients: Supplement with CO₂ and regular dosing of macro and micronutrients for best results.

• Maintenance: Trim tops regularly to prevent legginess and encourage bushier lower growth.

• Water Conditions: Keep water stable and soft to moderately hard to support healthy foliage.

💡 Aquascaping Inspiration

Rotala Wallichii’s delicate texture and bright coloration make it ideal for creating soft, flowing backgrounds or colorful contrast zones. It pairs beautifully with green plants and hardscape materials to produce dynamic, layered aquascapes.