Rotala Sp. Pearl UNS Tissue Culture
Plant Profile
Rotala sp. Pearl is an exceptionally delicate and miniature variation of Rotala, perfectly suited for nano aquariums and detailed aquascapes! Featuring small, compact foliage along slender stems, this unique species displays an enchanting mix of fresh green, soft purple, and vibrant pink hues when grown under high lighting and CO2. Because of its tiny leaf structure, it is ideal for creating dense midground mounds or soft background bushes without overwhelming smaller tank layouts.
Tissue Culture cups ensure your aquascape gets a super clean starting point. Lab‑grown and fully sterile, it arrives without pests, snails, duckweed, or any unwanted algae. It’s the go‑to option for anyone who wants peace of mind when adding fresh greenery to a carefully maintained setup.
Key Features & Benefits
- Delicate mini foliage with a mix of green, purple, and pink tones brings unique color and scale to nano tanks.
- Compact stem habit branches rapidly when trimmed to create dense midground mounds or background bushes.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Thoroughly wash away the nutrient gel from the roots with your fingers before parting it out into manageable portions. *Rotala leaves are fragile, so handle stems with care during preparation.
- Use fine-tip pinsettes to plant small stem clusters 1 inch apart into aquarium soil.
- Provide high lighting and pressurized CO2 injection; consistent fertilization yields robust stem growth and prevents bottom leaf yellowing.
- Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden parameter swings to prevent stem melting or rotting.
- Trim main stem tops with sharp straight scissors once they reach the desired height, and replant trimmings directly into substrate to propagate and thicken the bush. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rotala sp. 'Pearl' |
| Common Name(s) | Rotala Pearl, Rotala sp. Pearl |
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Stem Plant |
| Care Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Light Requirement | High |
| CO2 Requirement | Recommended (Essential for vivid pink/purple tones and fast growth) |
| Placement / Usage | Midground / Background Bushing (Ideal for Nano Tanks) |
| Height / Size | 4–8”+ (Cup portion size: 2–3”) |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.5–7.5 |
| Propagation Method | Cuttings (Cut stem tops or lateral shoots and replant) |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants?
Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining strong light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy.
2. How do I achieve a thick, bushy forest with Rotala Pearl?
To encourage Rotala Pearl to form a dense hedge, routinely trim the main stem tops once established. Each cut site will sprout multiple lateral side shoots, doubling the stem density and creating a tight, bushy group.
3. How do I prepare Rotala Pearl Tissue Culture before planting?
Carefully remove the gel from the roots by washing the plant in a bowl of room-temperature water or gently rinsing it under a tap. Once the gel is removed, separate the cluster into smaller clumps or individual stems and plant them into substrate using fine pinsettes.