Rotala sp. ‘Nanjean’ – ADA Tissue Culture

Rotala sp. ‘Nanjean’ is a stunning, compact stem plant known for its delicate, fine leaves that transition between green and soft pink hues under the right conditions. Its unique appearance makes it a fantastic option for midground and background plantings, creating a soft, bushy texture that contrasts beautifully with other plants. This rare Rotala species is sought after by aquascapers for its decorative appeal and its ability to create a subtle yet colorful accent in any aquascape.

This plant comes packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, which ensures that the plant is free from pests, algae, snails, and disease. Tissue culture plants are laboratory-grown and provide a clean, healthy start for your aquascape.

Detailed Care Guide:

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Rotala sp. ‘Nanjean’ requires medium to high light to maintain its delicate pinkish hues. Stronger light will also promote compact growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Low light may result in greener, more stretched-out growth.

• CO2: CO2 injection is highly recommended for Rotala sp. ‘Nanjean’ to enhance growth speed, leaf coloration, and overall plant health. While it can survive in lower-tech setups, CO2 supplementation will yield the most vibrant colors and compact form.

• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate, such as ADA Aqua Soil or any enriched planting substrate, is essential for strong root development and healthy growth. Rotala sp. ‘Nanjean’ will also benefit from additional fertilization, such as root tabs or liquid nutrients.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 70°F – 82°F (21°C – 28°C)
  • pH: 5.0 – 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:

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

2. Rinsing the Plant:

   • Remove the plant from the container and thoroughly rinse it under lukewarm water to remove all traces of the gel. Make sure that the gel is completely washed away, as any remnants left in the tank can degrade water quality.

3. Dividing the Plant:

   • After the gel is removed, carefully separate the plant into smaller portions. Each portion can contain a few stems, which can be planted individually for better spread and faster establishment in your aquarium.

4. Planting:

   • Using aquascaping tweezers, gently plant the stems into the substrate. Ensure each stem is planted deeply enough to remain secure but not so deep as to bury the growth tips. Space the stems about an inch apart to allow room for growth and encourage a dense, bushy look.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: Rotala sp. ‘Nanjean’ has a moderate growth rate under high light and CO2 conditions. It grows compactly, creating a soft bush when regularly trimmed.

• Trimming: Regular trimming encourages lateral shoots, which helps create a denser plant. By trimming the tops and replanting the cuttings, you can propagate the plant and achieve a fuller, more vibrant look.

• Fertilization: Routine liquid fertilization with micronutrients, especially iron, will support healthy growth and maintain the vibrant pink color of the leaves. Without enough nutrients, the plant can become leggy and lose its color vibrancy.

Special Considerations:

• Coloration: Rotala sp. ‘Nanjean’ is prized for its soft pink tones, which are more pronounced in strong light and with CO2. If the plant starts turning greener, this could be a sign that it’s not receiving enough light or nutrients.

• Placement: Ideal for midground or background placement in aquascapes. It contrasts beautifully with dark green plants and other vibrant species due to its soft colors and fine leaves.

• Compatibility: Safe for community aquariums, including fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates. It can be an excellent addition to shrimp tanks, as shrimp love to graze on the surfaces of the plant.

Challenges:

• Light Sensitivity: Rotala sp. ‘Nanjean’ needs consistent, moderate to high light to maintain its compact form and coloration. Without sufficient light, it may become leggy and lose its vibrant color.

• CO2 Dependence: While it can survive in non-CO2 setups, the best growth, form, and color will be achieved in a tank with CO2 injection.

Summary:

Rotala sp. ‘Nanjean’ is a beautiful and delicate stem plant that is popular for its subtle pink and green color and its fine, compact growth habit. It’s a fantastic choice for aquascapers who want to create a soft, bushy effect in their aquariums. Packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, it provides a clean, pest-free start for your aquascape.

To prepare tissue culture plants, make sure to thoroughly rinse off the gel and divide the plant into smaller sections for easy planting. Rotala sp. ‘Nanjean’ thrives under high light, CO2 injection, and regular fertilization, and it will reward you with dense, colorful growth. Perfect for midground or background planting, this plant will add a unique and charming touch to any aquascape.