Great for Dutch, Nature Aquarium, and layered aquascapes
Its bright green stems help create balanced plant compositions.
Perfect for beginner planted tanks
It grows reliably in a wide range of aquarium conditions.
Fresh light-green foliage
The vibrant color brightens planted aquascapes.
Forms compact stem clusters with trimming
Regular pruning allows neat and tidy background bushes.
Excellent transition plant in aquascapes
It blends naturally between midground and background plant sections.
Origin: Southeast Asia
Type: Stem plant
Growth Rate: Fast
Size: Height: 20–40 cm (8–16 in) Width: 5–10 cm (2–4 in)
Natural Habitat: Rotala indica grows along shallow tropical waterways, marshes, and irrigation channels where warm temperatures and nutrient-rich sediments allow rapid seasonal growth.
Special Considerations: Moderate to strong lighting promotes compact stems and healthy leaf development. Regular trimming helps maintain a dense plant group and prevents stems from becoming sparse.
Did You Know?
For many years, the plant sold in aquariums as Rotala indica was actually a different species (Rotala rotundifolia). This botanical mix-up persisted in the aquarium trade for decades until plant taxonomists clarified the classification.
Tank Size: 20 L (5 gallons) or larger recommended.
Plant Placement: Commonly used in the background, where clusters of stems create lush green vegetation. It pairs nicely with plants such as Bacopa caroliniana and Ludwigia repens, while foreground plants like Hydrocotyle tripartita or Marsilea hirsuta can form a natural carpet.
Compatibility: Suitable for community aquariums with green neon tetras, glowlight tetras, guppies, shrimp, and snails. Dense plant clusters provide cover for small fish and shrimp species such as cherry shrimp and Amano shrimp. The bright green foliage also enhances the colors of red or orange fish like platies and ember tetras.
Substrate Performs best in nutrient-rich planted substrates that support strong root development and stable growth. In inert substrates (sand or gravel), supplementing with root fertilizers such as Osmocote capsules can help provide essential nutrients. Iron supplements such as Iron EDTA capsules may also benefit red and orange stem plants by supporting stronger coloration and healthy new growth.
Light: Moderate lighting (30–60 PAR) for 8–10 hours daily.
Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
pH: 5.5 – 7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2–12 dGH)
CO₂: Optional.
Care & Propagation: Trim stems occasionally to maintain dense growth. Replant cuttings to propagate additional plants.
Portion Size 1 carefully selected stem bundle (typically 15–17 stems), freshly trimmed and ready for aquarium planting.
Plant Size Stems are usually 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall at the time of packaging.
Plant Type Submerged-grown aquarium stem plants, ready to plant directly into aquarium substrate.
Snail-Free & Aquarium Safe Plants are grown without chemicals that could harm fish, shrimp, or other aquarium inhabitants and are carefully inspected to ensure they are snail-free.
Transition After Shipping Some leaves may melt or change appearance after planting as the plant adapts to new aquarium conditions. This is a normal transition and new submerged growth will develop shortly.
Planting Guide
- 1.Remove the protective plastic packaging.
- 2.Gently remove the filter floss and rubber band holding the stems together.
- 3.Rinse the stems gently with clean water.
- 4.Separate the bundle into individual stems.
- 5.Plant each stem about 2–3 cm (1–1.5 in) deep into the substrate.
- 6.Leave small spacing between stems so they have room to grow and spread.
- 7.If a stem floats out, plant it slightly deeper or at a slight angle to help it anchor.
Tip
Aquascaping tweezers from our aquascaping tool set can make planting stem plants easier and allow precise placement in the substrate.
