Overview:
Rotala gerardii Boutique is a popular aquatic plant that belongs to the family Lythraceae. It is native to the Asian continent and is commonly found in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Thailand. This plant is known by several common names, including Rotala gerardii Mini, Rotala H'Ra, and Rotala Ramosior II.
Appearance:
Rotala gerardii Boutique generally grow up to 15-30 cm in height. Its stem is thin, fragile, and has a pinkish or reddish-brown color. The leaves of this plant are small in size, usually 1-2 cm in length, and 0.4-0.8 cm in width. The leaves are of bright green color with a red or pinkish tint on the tips. The light green leaves turn into an orange or red under strong lights, which gives it a unique appearance.
Uses:
Rotala gerardii Boutique is a perfect choice for those looking for a small and colorful aquarium plant. This plant is commonly used as a foreground plant in aquariums due to its small size and vibrant color. It can also be used for aquascaping purposes to create a lush green carpet. Rotala gerardii Boutique is an excellent plant for beginners as they are easy to care for and grow quickly.
Care:
Rotala gerardii Boutique requires moderate care to grow and thrive in an aquarium. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 68°F - 86°F. It needs moderate to high lighting and a nutrient-rich substrate to grow. Regular fertilization with macro and micronutrients will also ensure the plant's growth and keep its colors vibrant. It has a moderate growth rate, which means periodic trimming may be necessary to prevent it from overgrowing.
Light Requirements
Rotala gerardii Boutique requires high lighting conditions to thrive and exhibit vibrant vegetative growth. Therefore, it is essential to provide a minimum of 4 watts of lighting per gallon of water for optimal growth and development. Strong lighting also enhances the plant's coloration and helps prevent the occurrence of algae growth in the aquarium.
Temperature Requirements
The plant's ideal growth temperature range is between 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 65 degrees Fahrenheit during winter. It is worth noting that temperature fluctuations beyond this range can cause stunted growth or even death of the plant. It is thus essential to maintain stable temperatures within the plant's preferred range.
Water Parameters
The plant requires soft, slightly acidic to neutral water conditions to thrive. The pH range should fall within 5.5-7.5, and water hardness should be between 2-8 dKH. Regular water changes also ensure that the plant has access to essential nutrients required for growth and development. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the aquarium's water flow rate is moderate to prevent uprooting the plant.
Substrate Requirements
Rotala gerardii Boutique is a demanding plant that requires nutrient-rich substrates such as aqua soil or laterite to provide essential nutrients necessary for growth and development. The substrate should be at least two inches deep to allow for healthy root development and to promote anchorage to the substrate. It is also advisable to add iron-rich fertilizers to the substrate to ensure the plant gets essential micro-nutrients required for healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Rotala gerardii Boutique is a freshwater plant native to Southeast Asia, specifically in the Philippines. If you plan to cultivate this plant, it is essential to create a planted tank that replicates its natural habitat. Rotala gerardii Boutique is commonly planted in the midground and background portions of an aquarium.
When planting, you must ensure that the substrate is rich in nutrients and has a granular composition. You can use gravel or sand for the substrate. Additionally, since the plant is a stem plant, you must plant the cuttings in groups for effective growth. Cover the exposed parts of the stem to avoid rotting.
Watering Needs
Rotala gerardii Boutique requires soft and acidic water for optimal growth. The ideal temperature for this plant ranges between 72-82°F with a pH level of 6.0-7.5. A high pH level can cause the plant to deteriorate and die. Make sure to perform frequent water changes, roughly 30% of the total tank volume, to maintain water quality and acidity.
Additionally, ensure the water circulation is optimal and won't affect the growth of the plant. A calmer flow of water will be best for this species.
Fertilization
Fertilizing is crucial in maintaining the health and growth of Rotala gerardii Boutique. To achieve optimum results, offer liquid fertilizers for stem plants. You must add these fertilizers directly to the water, near the base of the plant, to ensure proper uptake.
Additionally, Rotala gerardii Boutique requires iron supplements to keep the leaves highly vegetal and prevent them from turning yellow. You can also use root tabs to provide a nutrient boost to the substrate.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape of Rotala gerardii Boutique and also to increase its growth. The plant can grow tall, up to 20 inches, and experience overgrowth of lateral branches in just a few months.
To conduct pruning, use sharp pruning scissors and avoid damaging healthy parts of the plant. Preferably, prune the plant in the fertilizer and water in the days before prunings. Keep in mind that the more you prune, the denser the plant will grow. Lastly, immediately remove the excess cuttings and consider propagating them into new plants.
Propagation of Rotala gerardii Boutique
Rotala gerardii Boutique is a beautiful aquatic plant that is commonly kept as a decorative plant in aquariums. Propagating this plant is not very difficult, and there are two main methods for propagating Rotala gerardii Boutique:
1. Cutting Propagation
The first and most common method of propagating Rotala gerardii Boutique is through cutting. You can cut off the top portion of the plant, including the stem and leaves, and replant it in another aquarium. To make the cutting, use sharp scissors to cut the plant at a point where the stem looks healthy and has at least 2-3 leaves. The cuttings should be at least 2 inches long. Before replanting the cutting, remove the leaves from the bottom 1 inch of the stem, and plant it in the substrate. Cover the base of the stem with a layer of substrate and press it into place to keep it stable. Within a week or two, you should see new shoots growing out from the cutting.
2. Division Propagation
The second method of propagating Rotala gerardii Boutique is through division. You can divide the plant by carefully removing the plant from the substrate and separating the main stem into two or more sections. Each section should have several leaves and a healthy root system. You can replant these sections in separate locations in your aquarium. Make sure to bury the roots into the substrate and leave the leaves above the substrate. After a week or two, you should see new shoots growing out from each of the divided sections.
Propagation is an excellent way to increase the number of Rotala gerardii Boutique in your aquarium. By following these methods, you can successfully propagate this plant and enjoy its beautiful, vibrant green color in your aquarium.
Disease and Pest Management for Rotala gerardii Boutique
Rotala gerardii Boutique is a delicate plant that requires proper care and attention to stay healthy. Unfortunately, various diseases and pests can affect this plant and cause significant damage if left unchecked. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and the ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Rotala gerardii Boutique is root rot. This condition occurs when the roots of the plant become infected with a fungal pathogen. To prevent root rot, it is essential to avoid overwatering or placing the plant in standing water. Additionally, allowing proper aeration around the roots can help prevent this disease. If root rot has already set in, it is essential to remove the affected plant material and treat with a fungicide.
Another common disease that affects Rotala gerardii Boutique is bacterial leaf spot. This disease occurs as small black spots on the leaves of the plant and may lead to leaf and stem drop. Preventing bacterial leaf spot requires maintaining proper hygiene practices, such as avoiding overhead watering and removing affected plant material. Fungicides can also be used to control this disease.
Common Pests
Spider mites and aphids are the most common pests that affect Rotala gerardii Boutique. Spider mites cause damage by piercing the leaves of the plant and sucking the sap out of them. This results in leaf wilting and yellowing. To control spider mites, you can use insect soap or neem oil applied to the foliage. A strong stream of water can also help dislodge them from the plant.
Aphids damage the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves and producing honeydew that attracts ants. Ants protect the aphids from predators, making them difficult to control. To get rid of aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Removing the affected plant tissue can also help to prevent the spread of this pest.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management are vital to the health of Rotala gerardii Boutique. Preventing and controlling diseases and pests require proper hygiene practices and the use of appropriate controls, such as fungicides and insecticidal soaps. By following these guideline, you can maintain healthy plants and enjoy their beauty for longer periods.
