Rotala Rotundifolia 'Wayanad' - ADA TC

Rotala Rotundifolia 'Wayanad' – ADA Tissue Culture

Rotala Rotundifolia 'Wayanad' is an exquisite and colorful variant of the popular Rotala species, prized for its unique foliage that ranges from bright green to reddish hues. With proper care, this fast-growing stem plant can develop stunning reddish-pink tips, making it an eye-catching choice for midground or background plantings in your aquascape. Perfect for creating dense, bushy clusters or vibrant accents in planted tanks, Rotala Rotundifolia 'Wayanad' is highly versatile and suitable for both high-tech and low-tech setups with regular trimming.

This plant is provided in ADA Tissue Culture, ensuring it is free from pests, algae, and contaminants. Tissue culture plants are grown in sterile conditions, which guarantees a healthy start for your aquarium.

Detailed Care Guide:

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Medium to high lighting is ideal for Rotala Rotundifolia 'Wayanad'. Under strong light, the plant will develop more compact growth and vibrant reddish hues, particularly at the tips. Lower light conditions will result in more green coloration and slower growth.

• CO2: While not strictly necessary, CO2 supplementation is highly recommended to achieve optimal growth, color, and density. In CO2-enriched tanks, the plant will grow faster and produce brighter, more vibrant leaves.

• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate such as ADA Aqua Soil or other planted substrates is recommended for strong root development and healthy growth. Liquid fertilization or root tabs can further enhance growth, particularly if the substrate is less nutrient-rich.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (1 – 12 dGH)

Tissue Culture Preparation and Planting:

1. Opening the Tissue Culture Container:

   • Gently open the ADA Tissue Culture container. Inside, the plant is embedded in a nutrient-rich gel, which must be thoroughly removed before planting.

2. Rinsing the Plant:

   • Carefully remove the plant from the container and rinse it under lukewarm water to remove all traces of the gel. It is important to ensure that no gel remains, as it can cause water quality issues in the aquarium.

3. Dividing the Plant:

   • After rinsing, divide the plant into smaller portions. The tissue culture plant typically comes with many tiny stems, which can be separated into multiple clumps for planting.

4. Planting:

   • Using aquascaping tweezers, plant the stems or small clumps into the substrate. Plant each stem or clump about 1 inch apart to allow for natural spreading. Over time, the plant will grow bushier and fill in the space.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: Rotala Rotundifolia 'Wayanad' has a moderate to fast growth rate, depending on lighting and CO2 levels. With strong lighting and CO2 injection, it will grow quickly and develop a dense, bushy appearance.

• Trimming: Regular trimming is essential for keeping the plant compact and encouraging lateral growth. Trimming also prevents the plant from becoming too tall or leggy. You can replant the trimmings to propagate the plant and achieve a fuller, denser look.

• Fertilization: A regular fertilization regimen, especially with micronutrients like iron, will promote healthy growth and vibrant coloration. In nutrient-deficient conditions, the plant may lose its coloration and become pale or leggy.

Special Considerations:

• Coloration: The reddish-pink coloration at the tips of the plant will be more pronounced under high light and CO2 conditions. If the plant appears too green or leggy, this may indicate insufficient lighting or nutrients.

• Placement: Ideal for midground or background planting, Rotala Rotundifolia 'Wayanad' creates beautiful, colorful accents when placed alongside darker green plants or plants with contrasting textures. It can also be used to create stunning, colorful bushes in larger aquascapes.

• Compatibility: Safe for community tanks with fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates. The plant's fine leaves provide excellent grazing surfaces for shrimp and other small invertebrates.

Challenges:

• High Light Dependency: While Rotala Rotundifolia 'Wayanad' can survive in lower light, its growth may become leggy, and the colors may fade if there isn't enough light. A consistent, strong light source is key to maintaining its compact form and vibrant colors.

• CO2 and Nutrients: For the best results, CO2 injection and a well-balanced fertilization schedule are recommended. Without proper nutrients, the plant may lose its vibrant colors and may grow more slowly.

Summary:

Rotala Rotundifolia 'Wayanad' is a beautiful stem plant known for its compact growth and ability to develop stunning reddish hues under optimal conditions. It's an excellent choice for aquascapers looking to add color and texture to their tanks, whether placed in the midground or background.

Packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, this plant is pest-free, algae-free, and disease-free. To prepare for planting, thoroughly rinse off the gel and divide the plant into smaller portions. Rotala Rotundifolia 'Wayanad' thrives in nutrient-rich substrates, medium to high lighting, and CO2-supplemented environments. With regular trimming and fertilization, it will grow quickly and provide a colorful, dense look to your aquascape.