Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' (H'ra Rotala)

03 November 2026

Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' is a colorful stem-plant cultivar grown for its narrow leaves and warm orange, pink, or reddish tones under strong aquarium lighting. It is generally sold as a cultivated form of Rotala rotundifolia, although the exact lineage and selection history are not established here. With adequate carbon dioxide, nutrients, and regular trimming, it can form a dense background group. Color intensity varies with light, nutrient availability, and general aquarium conditions.

Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' (H'ra Rotala)

Identification

This plant is identified conservatively as Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra', a cultivated aquarium form of Rotala rotundifolia. It has slender upright stems and narrow, pointed leaves arranged along the stem. The supplied photographs are consistent with this identification, but photographs alone cannot confirm the cultivar or distinguish it from closely similar Rotala selections.

Placement and appearance

Use it in the middle or background of larger aquariums, where its vertical growth and warm coloration provide contrast with green plants. Under strong light, new growth may become orange, pink, or red, while shaded or nutrient-limited growth is often greener. Planting several trimmed stems together produces a fuller group.

Lighting and carbon dioxide

High light and a stable supply of carbon dioxide are recommended for compact growth and stronger coloration. It can survive with less intense conditions, but stems may become more open and green, with longer spacing between leaves. Avoid abrupt changes in lighting or carbon dioxide, particularly after planting or heavy trimming.

Planting and maintenance

Separate the stems into small portions and plant them individually in the substrate, leaving space between portions for water movement and new side shoots. Once the stems reach the desired height, cut the tops and replant the healthy cuttings. Repeated trimming encourages branching and maintains a dense group. Remove deteriorating lower leaves and keep the surrounding area free of excessive shade.

Nutrients and propagation

Provide a complete supply of macronutrients and micronutrients, with a stable, moderately rich substrate supporting continued growth. Deficiencies may reduce growth and color, while unstable conditions can encourage algae on slow or damaged leaves. Propagation is straightforward: cut healthy stem sections and replant them in the substrate. Side shoots can also be separated when sufficiently developed.

Plant info

Colors: Green, Red, Orange, Pink
Difficulty: Advanced
Origin: Cultivar
Usage: Background
Type: Stem plant
Growth rate: Fast
Height: 20-50 cm
Light demand: High
CO2: High

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