Colorata Rotala

Rotala rotundifolia 'Colorata' entered the trade as Rotala sp. 'Colorata' and has since been treated as a form of the very variable species Rotala rotundifolia. Flowgrow publishes a height of 20 to 80 cm and a width of 2 to 5 cm, so as a background stem plant it can climb to roughly 80 cm in a tall aquarium.

Its colour follows the light: under moderate light the leaves take on a reddish tint, and under strong light the plant develops a more saturated red. The culture data list light as medium to high, an optimum temperature of 22 to 28 °C, a pH range of 4.5 to 8, and carbon dioxide levels of 20 to 40 mg/l. The exact native locality is not known; Flowgrow notes the origin is likely tropical or subtropical Asia, so the origin is recorded as uncertain. Growth is fast and difficulty moderate. Prune the tops regularly and replant the cuttings to keep a dense, colourful stand.