DIFFICULTY Moderate

Benefits from more deliberate care.

LIGHT High

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Recommended

Can grow without it, but responds noticeably to supplementation.

GROWTH Medium

Medium trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Rotala Indica

A classic stem plant with small, round leaves that grow densely.

True Rotala indica (often confused with rotundifolia) has thicker, straighter stems and rounder leaves. It requires moderate to high light.
Shrimp friendly Nano suitable High-tech suitable
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementMidground
Typical height6–16 in
Typical width3 in
Suggested minimum tank10 gal
Suggested tank height18 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightHigh
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR40–100
Injected CO₂Recommended
CO₂ benefitHigh
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingModerate
Water-column feedingModerate
Overall fertilizer demandHigh
Iron demandModerate
MicronutrientsModerate
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature68–82°F
pH6–7.5
GH2–12 dGH
KH2–10 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate

Plant in groups.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Acclimation

Adapts well.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Lower leaves drop if shaded.