Rotala sp. ‘Ceylon’ – ADA Tissue Culture

Rotala sp. ‘Ceylon’ is an attractive, versatile stem plant that adds vibrant colors to your aquascape. Its slender leaves and stems can display a mix of green and pinkish-red hues, depending on light conditions, making it a popular choice for aquascapers. This species can be used as a midground or background plant, offering a lush, dense look when planted in groups. Ideal for both beginners and experienced aquarists, Rotala sp. ‘Ceylon’ is adaptable and enhances the overall aesthetic of a planted tank.

As an ADA Tissue Culture product, this plant is guaranteed to be free from pests, algae, and contaminants. Tissue culture plants are grown in sterile, lab-controlled environments, ensuring healthy and strong starts for your aquarium.

Detailed Care Guide:

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Rotala sp. ‘Ceylon’ thrives in medium to high lighting. In higher light conditions, the plant will show more intense pinkish-red coloration on its stems and leaves. In lower light, the leaves tend to remain more green, and growth may slow down.

• CO2: CO2 supplementation is highly recommended for promoting vibrant colors and faster growth. While Rotala sp. ‘Ceylon’ can survive without CO2 injection, it will grow slower, and its colors may be less vibrant.

• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is ideal for healthy root development and vibrant plant growth. Planted aquarium substrates such as ADA Aqua Soil or similar will give the best results. Additional root tabs and liquid fertilizers can further enhance growth.

• 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:

   • Carefully open the ADA Tissue Culture container. The plant is enclosed in a nutrient-rich gel, which needs to be fully removed before planting.

2. Rinsing the Plant:

   • Gently remove the plant from the container and rinse under lukewarm water to remove the gel. It is important to thoroughly wash off all gel residue to prevent any contamination in the aquarium.

3. Dividing the Plant:

   • Once the gel has been rinsed away, divide the plant into smaller portions. Tissue culture plants typically come with many stems, and dividing them into smaller clumps will allow for easier planting.

4. Planting:

   • Using aquascaping tweezers, insert the small stems or clumps into the substrate. Plant each stem about 1 to 2 inches apart to allow enough space for growth and propagation. Over time, the plant will fill in and create a lush, dense group.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: Rotala sp. ‘Ceylon’ is a fast-growing plant, especially under high light and CO2 injection. It will quickly fill in areas of your tank, creating a vibrant, bushy appearance.

• Trimming: Regular trimming is necessary to maintain compact and dense growth. Trim the top portions of the plant when it becomes too tall and replant the trimmings to create fuller sections. Trimming also encourages lateral growth, leading to a bushier plant.

• Fertilization: A regular fertilization schedule that includes both macronutrients and micronutrients (especially iron) will help keep the plant healthy and its colors vivid. Fertilizing through the water column or substrate will help promote growth.

Special Considerations:

• Coloration: For the best colors, ensure the plant is getting ample light and CO2. Under high light, Rotala sp. ‘Ceylon’ will develop more pinkish-red hues. In lower light, it will remain mostly green. To enhance coloration, provide iron-rich fertilizers and maintain stable water conditions.

• Placement: This plant works well as a midground or background plant in aquascapes. When planted in groups, it creates a lush, dense effect. Pair it with plants of contrasting colors or textures to add variety to your aquascape.

• Compatibility: Rotala sp. ‘Ceylon’ is safe for use in most community tanks. It is shrimp-safe and provides a good environment for small fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates to explore.

Challenges:

• Light and CO2 Dependency: Although Rotala sp. ‘Ceylon’ is adaptable, it shows its best growth and coloration in high light and CO2-injected tanks. Without enough light, the plant may become leggy and lose its color vibrancy. CO2 injection and regular fertilization are highly recommended to maintain its health and beauty.

Summary:

Rotala sp. ‘Ceylon’ is a fast-growing stem plant known for its versatility and ability to develop vibrant, colorful foliage under optimal conditions. Its slender leaves can transition from green to pinkish-red hues, making it a fantastic choice for adding color and texture to your aquascape. This plant works well in both midground and background settings, creating dense, bushy groupings when trimmed regularly.

Provided in ADA Tissue Culture, the plant is guaranteed to be free from pests and contaminants, ensuring a healthy and vigorous start in your aquarium. For the best results, plant in a nutrient-rich substrate, provide medium to high lighting, and supplement with CO2 and fertilizers. Regular trimming will keep the plant compact and bushy, enhancing its aesthetic appeal in your planted tank.