Rotala wallichii TROPICA 1-2-GROW!

Aquarium plant from tissue culture in closed cup.
Rotala wallichii is a demanding plant that develops red shoot tips in good light conditions.
The most decorative effect can be achieved by planting a large number of stems in a group. Rotala walichii is good as background and midground plant and suitable even for small aquariums, because it is easy to prune if it grows too tall. CO2 addition boosts growth considerably. It also prefers soft, slightly acidic water.

Type:
Stem

Origin:
Asia

Country or continent where a plant is the most common. Cultivars arise or are bred in cultivation.

Growth rate:
Medium

Growth rate of the plant compared to other aquatic plants.

Height:
10 – 30+

Average height (cm) of the plant after two months in the tank.

Light demand:

The average or medium light demand of an aquarium plant is 0,5 W/L.

CO2 :

A medium need in CO2 is 6-14 mg/L. A high demand in CO2 is approx. 15-25 mg/L.

Rotala wallichii: Fine-Leaved Colour for Singapore Scapes

Wallichii has the most delicate, feathery texture of the rotalas we carry, and in good light its shoot tips flush pink to red in a way that looks almost coral-like in a dense group. It is on the demanding side, so we are upfront with customers: thin or pale stems usually mean the light or CO2 is not quite there yet. Planted as a tight cluster it creates a soft, airy contrast against broader-leaved species, and it stays manageable even in smaller tanks.

This species genuinely appreciates the soft, slightly acidic water that comes out of most Singapore taps, and CO2 addition makes a visible difference to growth speed and density. At our ambient 27-29C it can stretch quickly, so plan on regular trimming to keep the group compact and full rather than leggy. It works equally well as a background filler or a textural midground accent.

For dialling in that red, see our wallichii care guide and our high-light colour tips. Pair them with our CO2 guide, and browse the rest of our background plants.