Since I initially established my seventeen gallon aquarium with LED lighting, I have learned that too much of it can “burn” and melt some plants, especially Anubias. Therefore I only keep the lights on for four hours, beginning in the early evening before the sun sets. The time is approximately from 4:45 to 8:30 PM. Since the aquarium is next to three side-by-side windows, the natural light always causes the growth of algae. If you purchase this plant in a pet store, the length should be seven to eight inches, which was the length of the donated plant that I purchased. Many feel that it is a mid-ground plant. It can grow to fourteen inches, so the plant will landscape an area from mid to the rear of your aquarium. A bunch of three or four can fill up space in a small aquarium. If my current plant does well, I may try to buy one or two more of this species, or another in the Rotala family, so that I can grow or build a “forest.”
Rotala sp. ʻnanjenshanʼ occupies the center of my seventeen gallon open top aquarium. Java ferns, Microsorium pteropus, that were purchased as GCAS auctions make my simple plant cultivating skills appear a bit more impressive than they really are. I purchased a commercial substrate that contains minerals and bacteria and claims to accelerate the growth of aquatic plants. The substrate appears to have a positive effect.
Modern Aquarium - Greater City A.S (NY)
Rotalas enjoy water temperature in the 72-82 degree range, with pH just below to above 7. If your plant grows well, take some cuttings from the top and trim the leaves about an inch or so at the bottom and replant. You should have no trouble propagating Rotala. Of course your plant will appreciate carbon dioxide fertilization and supplements. I’m trying to grow my plant in mineral nutrient substrate only, with no other additives. With moderate care, you should have an attractive and hardy plant that is fairly uncommon in the hobby, and will surely enhance your aquarium. I am optimistic that your fish, like mine, will enjoy this Rotala and welcome it to its new home for many years to come.
April 2015
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