Rotala Indica

Description

Rotala Indica, commonly known as Indian toothcup or Indian toothbrush plant, is a popular aquatic plant that belongs to the Lythraceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, where it grows in marshy areas, ponds, and wetlands. This plant is highly valued by aquarists and hobbyists due to its attractive appearance and ease of cultivation.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Rotala Indica has thin, delicate stems that can grow up to 50 cm in length. It has small, oval-shaped leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The leaves are bright green in color and can turn reddish under high light conditions. The plant produces small, pink or purple flowers that bloom above the water surface. Overall, Rotala Indica has a graceful and elegant appearance that can add a touch of beauty to any aquarium or water garden.

Care Guide

Rotala Indica is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a great choice for beginners. Here are some tips on how to take care of this plant:

• Water: Rotala Indica prefers slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It also requires good water circulation and filtration to maintain healthy growth.
• Fertilization: This plant requires regular fertilization with a balanced liquid fertilizer or root tabs to provide essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Soil: Rotala Indica can grow in a variety of substrates, including gravel, sand, and nutrient-rich soils. It benefits from a substrate that is rich in iron and other micronutrients.
• Sunlight: This plant prefers moderate to high light conditions, with a minimum of 2 watts per gallon of full-spectrum lighting. Too much or too little light can cause stunted growth or algae problems.
• Hardiness Zones: Rotala Indica is hardy in zones 9-11, but can also be grown indoors in an aquarium.

Common Pests & Diseases

Like all plants, Rotala Indica is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common issues to watch out for:

• Algae: Excessive algae growth can hinder the growth of Rotala Indica. To prevent algae, ensure proper lighting, filtration, and water quality, and avoid overfeeding the fish.
• Snails: Snails can be a nuisance to Rotala Indica as they feed on the leaves and can damage the plant. Use commercial snail repellents or manually remove the snails to control their population.
• Rust: This fungal disease causes reddish-brown spots on the leaves and stems of Rotala Indica. Remove the infected parts and treat with an antifungal spray or fungicide.

Habitat

Rotala Indica is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, where it grows in marshy areas, ponds, and wetlands. It thrives in warm, tropical climates with plenty of sunlight and water. In the wild, it provides shelter and food for aquatic animals such as fish, snails, and insects.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can Rotala Indica grow in low light conditions?

A: While Rotala Indica prefers moderate to high light conditions, it can also grow in low light conditions, although its growth may be slower.

Q: How often should I fertilize Rotala Indica?

A: It is recommended to fertilize Rotala Indica once or twice a week with a balanced liquid fertilizer or root tabs.

Q: How do I propagate Rotala Indica?

A: Rotala Indica can be propagated by cutting the stems and replanting them in the substrate. It can also propagate through lateral shoots that grow from the main stem.

Q: Can Rotala Indica survive in brackish water?

A: Rotala Indica is a freshwater plant and cannot survive in brackish water or saltwater.

Related Plants

• Rotala Macrandra
• Rotala Rotundifolia
• Rotala Wallichii
• Rotala Ramosior

References

• https://www.aquascapingworld.com/rotala-indica/
• https://www.aquariumcarebasics.com/plant-care/rotala-indica/
• https://www.aquariumplantfood.co.uk/rotala-indica