Rotala indica
Rotala indica
Also known asIndian toothcup · Rotala rotundifolia indica
Water parameters
Light and nutrients
Substrate type: rooted. Propagation: stem cutting.
Substrate compatibility
| Substrate | pH effect | Nutrient load |
|---|---|---|
| Aquasoil (ADA Amazonia) | lowers pH | very high |
| Dirted tank (mineralized topsoil) (DIY soil substrate) | slightly acidic | very high |
| Mineralized clay substrate (Seachem Fluorite) | neutral / inert | moderate |
| Inert sand (Pool filter sand) | neutral / inert | none |
| Inert gravel (Aquarium gravel) | neutral / inert | none |
With fish
Origin and habitat
Native to India and Southeast Asia, found in marshes, rice paddies, and shallow waterways. The species (Rotala indica, though taxonomic assignment is debated; many plants sold as R. indica may be R. rotundifolia or related species) is a delicate stem plant with small, rounded leaves arranged in opposite pairs. Submerged leaves are thin, oval, 5–10 mm long, and green to pinkish under moderate light. The plant is often sold in its emersed form, with round, succulent green leaves that look very different from the thinner submerged form. One of the more commonly available Rotala species in the aquarium trade, often at lower prices than more demanding species like R. wallichii. Taxonomic confusion is rampant in the Rotala trade: many plants sold as 'R. indica' are actually R. rotundifolia, and vice versa. True R. indica (as described in botanical literature) may not even be widely available in the aquarium trade. For practical purposes, the plants sold under this name are easy, undemanding Rotala species from tropical Asia that produce green to pinkish growth under varying light conditions. Tissue culture specimens are widely available.
Care notes
Easy to moderate. Grows in low to high light, with or without CO2, though it looks its best under moderate to high light with CO2 where the leaves develop a compact, pinkish appearance. Under low light without CO2, growth is slow and the stems become leggy with wide internodes. Plant stems in groups of 5-10, pushed into the substrate. Growth under good conditions is moderate. Trim tops and replant cuttings; the cut stems produce side shoots. The transition from emersed (nursery-grown) to submerged leaves takes 1-2 weeks; the round emersed leaves may drop before thinner submerged growth appears. Nutrient requirements are moderate; liquid fertilizer with iron supports healthy growth and pink coloring. Temperature: 22–28°C. pH 6.0-7.5. Soft to moderately hard water. R. indica is a good entry point for keepers who want to try Rotala without the demands of R. macrandra or R. wallichii. The pink tones under moderate light add subtle color without requiring the high-tech perfection that more demanding red stems demand. Available from most aquatic plant retailers.