Red Pinetree – Rotala Wallichii
Rotala wallichii is an elegant stem plant found in soft, acidic bodies of water in southeast Asia, where it is much more often found growing submerged and in deeper water than related species. It produces flower spikes adorned with bright, purple flowers. Although not the easiest of aquatic plants to grow, R. wallichii is one of the most popular, commonly available red stem plants in the hobby.
Nitrate should be dosed for consistency, with smaller, more frequent doses being better. This plant grows best when nitrates are not allowed to reach zero but not kept over 20-25 ppm.
| Specifications |
|---|
| Plant Type: Aquatic stem plant |
| Origin: Southeast Asia |
| Growth Condition: Submerged, prefers soft acidic water |
| Light Requirement: Moderate to high |
| Nutrient Requirement: Nitrate levels 20-25 ppm ideal |
FAQ
What is the ideal nitrate level for Rotala Wallichii?
The ideal nitrate level for Rotala Wallichii is between 20-25 ppm. Nitrates should be dosed with smaller, more frequent applications to maintain consistency without dropping to zero.
Does Rotala Wallichii grow well in emersed conditions?
Rotala Wallichii is primarily adapted to submerged growth in aquariums. While it may be shown in emersed conditions in photos, once planted in water it naturally converts to its underwater form.
Is Rotala Wallichii easy to grow?
Rotala Wallichii is not considered one of the easiest aquatic plants to grow, requiring consistent nitrate levels and proper lighting conditions for optimal development.
Vanessa Bower –
I’ve had this plant for three months now and it’s thriving in my 50-liter tank. The red stems stand out well and the purple flower spikes appear every few weeks. I maintain nitrates around 22 ppm and keep the light moderate. It’s a bit fussy at first, but once established, it’s very rewarding.
Karen Poole –
The plant arrived healthy and looks great in my aquarium. I noticed it started producing flower spikes after about six weeks. I’m careful with nitrate dosing and avoid letting it drop below 20 ppm. It grows slowly but steadily.
Faith MacLeod –
This is one of the few red stem plants that really stands out in my tank. I keep it in deeper water and it’s adapted well. The flowers are a nice touch and the plant stays vibrant even in low light conditions.