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Tropica Rotala indica 'bonsai' 1-2-GROW!

Compact short-internode Rotala indica Bonsai stem plant in Tropica tissue culture

Tropica

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£7.99
Regular price
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£7.99
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Quick Facts

Rating:

Common name:

Position in Aquarium: Foreground

Growth rate: Slow

Grows up to: 20 cm

Pot size: 7 cm

Origin: Cultivated

Description

Rotala indica Bonsai is a compact and restrained form of Rotala indica producing small, rounded pairs of leaves in fresh green to soft pinkish-green on short-internode stems that stay noticeably more compact than standard Rotala rotundifolia. Its naturally smaller scale and more manageable growth habit make it a useful and attractive background or midground stem plant in aquariums where a compact red-toned Rotala is preferred over a more vigorous growing species.

It benefits from bright light and CO2 supplementation for the most compact internodes and the warmest pinkish colouration on new growth. Without CO2 or bright light growth becomes looser and more elongated and the warm tones on the leaves are less pronounced. Regular trimming encourages branching and maintains the bushy, compact appearance.

Supplied as a Tropica 1-2-GROW! tissue culture cup, this plant arrives completely free from snails, pest algae, and pesticide residue. Rinse the gel, separate stems and plant into the substrate. Suits aquariums from 40 litres upward — a compact, well-behaved Rotala with soft warm tones that is fully shrimp safe and easy to maintain in the long term.

Plant Sizes

The image of the plant you'll be receiving is just an example of what you can expect. Each plant is unique and may vary in size and shape, so it won't be an exact match to the photo. If we provide a size guide, keep in mind that it's just an estimate and that plants can vary in size depending on the time of year.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Tissue cultured plants are supplied young and grown in a sterile environment, so they arrive free from snails, algae and pesticide residue. They may look smaller on arrival, but each cup contains multiple plantlets designed to be divided and planted out, where they establish quickly with minimal melt and grow into place.

Tropica Rotala indica &
Tropica Rotala indica &
Tropica Rotala indica &
Tropica Rotala indica &
Tropica Rotala indica &

Product Details

1. Grown in a laboratory

Tissue Cultured Plants are unique in so much as they are grown in a laboratory and not a greenhouse. As a result of this, a cast iron guarantee is offered which is 100% so snails and no pesticides.

2. How to handle them

They're a bit different from potted plants because they're grown in an agae solution that contains nutrients and hormones to encrougage plants to grow. Some agar is liquid, others are more solid depending on what the growers prefers. Regardless once they arrive with you, acclimatise to room temperature and then rinse under luke warm tap water. Then plant up.

3. Pot sizes

Nearly all TC pots are 5cm in diameter and the pots will range in fullness depending on many factors such as the natural growth speed of the plant and the time the grower has held them for. Sometimes the pots are exceptionally full and sometimes not so full - something we cannot control. But either way, they're still really good value when you look at the overall plant mass.

Product FAQs

Helpful details before you buy.

What makes Rotala indica Bonsai different from standard Rotala?

It grows with noticeably shorter internodes and a more compact habit than standard Rotala rotundifolia, making it more manageable and suitable for mid to background positions where a more restrained plant is preferred.

Does it need CO2?

CO2 is recommended for the most compact growth and the warmest pink tones on new leaves. Without CO2 growth becomes looser and the colouration less pronounced.

What colour does it develop?

Fresh green with soft pinkish to warm tones on new growth under bright light and CO2. Less intensely red than some Rotala species but attractively warm-toned.

Is it safe for shrimp tanks?

Yes. As a Tropica 1-2-GROW! tissue culture plant it arrives free from snails, algae, and pesticide residue.

How do I propagate it?

Trim stems and replant cuttings. Regular trimming encourages branching and keeps the compact, bushy form the plant is valued for.