DIFFICULTY Advanced

Benefits from more deliberate care.

LIGHT Very High

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Required

Injected CO₂ is important for expected growth.

GROWTH Fast

High trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Rotala Wallichii

A delicate stem plant with fine, needle-like leaves that turn pink.

Rotala wallichii produces beautiful, fluffy pink tips under high light and CO2. It requires soft water and regular trimming to stay bushy.
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 lightVery High
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR50–120
Injected CO₂Required
CO₂ benefitVery High
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingModerate
Water-column feedingHigh
Overall fertilizer demandHigh
Iron demandHigh
MicronutrientsHigh
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature68–82°F
pH5.5–6.5
GH1–6 dGH
KH1–4 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate

Plant stems individually.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Acclimation

Delicate during acclimation.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Algae easily chokes its fine leaves.