Rotala Indica

Overview

Rotala indica 'Red' is a popular and beginner-friendly freshwater stem plant prized for its adaptable growth and striking red-to-orange coloration. This plant undergoes a noticeable transformation from its emersed form to submerged growth, shifting from rounded leaves to narrow, pointed foliage that creates a dynamic and natural look in aquascapes.

Under stronger lighting, Rotala indica 'Red' develops deeper pink, orange, and wine-red tones, making it an excellent choice for accent planting or dense background groupings.

Key Features

• Color-changing foliage based on light and nutrients

• Fast-growing stem plant

• Transitions beautifully from emersed to submerged form

• Produces bushy growth when trimmed

• Easy to propagate and maintain

Why Choose Rotala indica 'Red'?

• One of the best beginner red plants available

• Adds vibrant contrast to green aquascapes

• Grows quickly and fills space efficiently

• Easy to shape into dense bushes

• Excellent value with Buy 2 Get 1 Free offer

Benefits

• Enhances aquascapes with warm red tones

• Creates depth and visual interest

• Provides shelter for small fish and shrimp

• Helps absorb excess nutrients

• Suitable for both low-tech and high-tech setups

Product Specifications

• Scientific/Common name: Rotala indica / Rotala 'Red'
• Plant or product type: Live freshwater stem plant
• Growth rate / usage: Fast growth, decorative and functional
• Lighting / requirements: Low to high light
• Placement / application: Midground to background
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Tank type: Freshwater, planted, community, shrimp

Care Guide / Usage Guide

Lighting

Low to high lighting is acceptable. Higher light brings out stronger red and pink coloration.

Water

Prefers temperatures between 68–82°F (20–28°C) with a pH range of 6.0–7.5.

Substrate

Plant in nutrient-rich substrate for best results.

CO₂

Not required, but optional CO₂ significantly improves growth speed and color intensity.

Maintenance

Trim regularly to prevent shading and encourage dense side shoots.

Planting / Application Instructions

1. Rinse stems gently with clean aquarium water.

2. Separate into individual stems.

3. Plant each stem into substrate, spacing slightly apart.

4. Place in midground or background area.

5. Trim tops and replant for bushier growth.

Perfect For

• Beginner and experienced aquarists

• Low-tech and high-tech planted tanks

• Midground or background aquascaping

• Adding red contrast

• Fast-growing layouts

Important Notes

• Plant Selection Notice: These will be a plant of our choice, selected based on current availability, size, and overall health to ensure the best quality upon arrival.

• Emersed plants will change leaf shape once submerged.

• Leaf color varies based on lighting, nutrients, and tank conditions.

• Live plants naturally vary in size and appearance.

• Some melting after shipping is normal during acclimation.

Disclaimer

Images are for reference only. Actual plant size, shape, and coloration may vary due to natural growth conditions and lighting. Live arrival and health guarantees are subject to store policies. Adjustment periods after shipping are normal for live plants.