Rotala rotundifolia

Rotala rotundifolia is one of the most popular and widely kept aquarium stem plants, producing masses of small, rounded to slightly elongated leaves on delicate upright stems. It develops attractive pink to red tones under good light, with the colour intensity increasing with light levels. When planted in dense groups in the background, it creates a rich, softly textured mass of warm colour that is a staple element in many planted aquascape styles.

It is one of the more manageable red-tinted stem plants, growing under medium light and benefiting from but not strictly requiring CO2 for basic pink colouration. With CO2 supplementation growth is more compact and colouration more vivid, but it performs well even in lower-tech set-ups. Regular trimming keeps it bushy and prevents it from becoming too tall and losing colour at the base.

Supplied as an established potted plant, Rotala rotundifolia suits aquariums from 40 litres upward. Its combination of relatively easy care, attractive pink-red colouration, and fine texture makes it one of the most recommended stem plants for hobbyists moving into planted aquariums with colour in mind.