Rotala Ramosior 'Florida' - ADA TC

Rotala ramosior 'Florida' – ADA Tissue Culture

Rotala ramosior 'Florida' is a rare and striking plant species, known for its delicate, needle-like leaves that range from green to reddish tones. Originating from the Florida wetlands, this aquatic plant thrives in nutrient-rich environments and provides a unique texture and appearance in aquascapes. Ideal for intermediate and advanced aquascapers, Rotala ramosior 'Florida' makes for a standout feature in any planted aquarium, particularly as a background or midground plant.

The ADA Tissue Culture format guarantees that the plant is free from algae, pests, and other contaminants, ensuring a healthy and strong start for your aquascaping projects.

Detailed Care Guide:

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Rotala ramosior 'Florida' prefers medium to high lighting to thrive. In higher light conditions, the leaves will turn a more intense reddish or pink color, whereas in lower light, the plant remains primarily green and grows slower.

• CO2: CO2 supplementation is highly recommended to enhance growth and color vibrancy. Though it can grow without CO2, CO2 injection will promote faster growth and help bring out its best appearance.

• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is essential for healthy growth, especially for rooted plants like Rotala ramosior 'Florida'. Options such as ADA Aqua Soil or other similar planted aquarium substrates are ideal. Root tabs or liquid fertilizers can further boost growth and color.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
  • pH: 5.5 – 7.5 (Slightly acidic to neutral water)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2 – 12 dGH)

Tissue Culture Preparation and Planting:

1. Opening the Tissue Culture Container:

   • Open the ADA Tissue Culture container carefully. Inside, you'll find the plant suspended in a nutrient-rich gel that needs to be completely removed before planting.

2. Rinsing the Plant:

   • Gently take the plant out of the container and rinse it thoroughly under lukewarm water to wash away the gel. Be sure to remove all gel residue to prevent contamination in the aquarium.

3. Dividing the Plant:

   • Once the gel is rinsed off, divide the plant into smaller portions. Tissue culture plants often come with numerous stems that can be separated into smaller clusters for planting.

4. Planting:

   • Use aquascaping tweezers to plant the individual portions of Rotala ramosior 'Florida' into the substrate. Plant each portion with some space between them (about 1–2 inches) to allow for growth and propagation. Over time, the plant will spread and fill in the area, creating a dense and vibrant look.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: Rotala ramosior 'Florida' has a moderate to fast growth rate, especially when provided with CO2 and high lighting. It will quickly establish itself in the aquarium and can become quite bushy.

• Trimming: Regular trimming is necessary to maintain a compact and attractive appearance. Trim the top portions when they grow too tall, and replant the trimmings to create a thicker, more lush section. Trimming will also encourage lateral growth, resulting in a fuller plant.

• Fertilization: A steady supply of liquid fertilizers, including both macronutrients and micronutrients, will help keep this plant healthy and vibrant. Fertilizing through the water column, along with a nutrient-rich substrate, will promote robust growth.

Special Considerations:

• Coloration: For the most vivid red and pink tones, provide high lighting and CO2 injection. Without sufficient light, the plant may remain predominantly green. Iron supplements can also enhance its coloration.

• Placement: Rotala ramosior 'Florida' is perfect for use as a background or midground plant, especially when planted in groups. Its thin, delicate leaves add contrast and texture to the aquarium, making it a great companion for broad-leaved plants or those with different colors.

• Compatibility: This plant is safe for all aquarium inhabitants, including shrimp and other invertebrates. It also serves as a good hiding place for small fish and fry.

Challenges:

• Light Dependency: Rotala ramosior 'Florida' is somewhat light-dependent for good growth and color development. While it can tolerate lower light, it will be less vibrant and grow more slowly. Consistent CO2 supplementation and fertilization are also important to keep it thriving.

Summary:

Rotala ramosior 'Florida' is a stunning stem plant known for its fine, needle-like leaves that shift in color depending on light conditions. With vibrant reds and pinks in high light, this plant adds a unique texture and pop of color to any aquascape. It thrives in nutrient-rich substrates, with the best growth and color achieved through the use of CO2 and regular fertilization.

Packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, the plant arrives in a pest-free and sterile condition, ready to grow into a lush, healthy part of your aquarium. For aquascapers looking to add a colorful and delicate touch to their aquariums, Rotala ramosior 'Florida' is an excellent choice.