Rotala Mexicana
Common Name: Mexican Rotala, Rotala Mexicana
Rotala Mexicana is a unique variety of Rotala. This popular aquarium stem plant features bright green, rounded leaves when grown above the water's surface. When transitioned to submerged conditions, its leaves become thin and colors include a range of green to pink-orange tones. These differences can be seen in the photos included on this listing and depict this aquatic plant's submerged and emersed forms. The Mexican Rotala originates in South America but can be found across tropical and subtropical regions of Central America, Africa, and Australia. Due to its wide distribution, the plant has been identified multiple times under different names, including Rotala pulsilla. This is a species that tends to thrive or die off completely. In order to thrive, it needs strong lighting and plenty of CO2, and macro and micronutrients. A low level of any of these factors will lead to blackening and stunted growth.
This long-leaved, stem plant grows quickly and lushly and is easy to propagate through cuttings. The stems are reddish, and with how tall the plant grows it makes a great choice for a background. With proper trimming, Rotala Mexicana can form a great hedge effect even in the midground of the aquarium.
Notes:
- You may receive this plant in its emersed or submerged form depending on availability and seasonality. Click to learn more about Emersed vs. Submerged-Grown Aquatic Plants for Aquascaping.
- Rotala has fragile leaves! Be sure to handle with care.
- Final coloration is ultimately dependent upon the conditions this plant is kept in. This is a live plant meaning size, shape and color may vary.
- Do not make drastic changes to the aquarium. Unstable parameters will result in melt and rotting of the aquarium plant.
- Please be sure to remove this plant from its wrap. Remove the foam surrounding the roots and plant into a quality substrate. For instructions on how to properly prep “bunched“ aquarium plants, click here.
- CO2 injection and quality aquarium soil will yield better growth.
- Please research appropriately to ensure your plant thrives.
Genus: Rotala
Family Name: Lythraceae
Origin: South America
Height: 4-12”
pH: 4.5 - 7.0
Care: Medium
Light: High
Co2: Medium to High
Propagation: Cuttings
Growth Rate: Fast