Origin
Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz, also known as Blue Rotala, is a marsh plant that belongs to the Lythraceae family. It originates from South America, especially in Brazil, where it is widely distributed in freshwater wetlands, shallow ponds, and rivers.
Common Names
Blue Rotala, False Rotala, Rotala H’ra, and Pink Pearl are the common names for Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz. It receives these names due to its colorful foliage, especially during the submersed growth.
Uses
Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz is a popular aquarium plant due to its bright blue or pinkish coloration that adds a stunning appearance to aquascapes. It is easy to maintain, requires moderate light and CO2 injection, and grows fast in nutrient-rich substrates. The plant reproduces through stolon, which means that it forms new shoots that can be propagated by cutting and replanting in other tanks.
General Appearance
Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz is a small-stemmed plant that can grow up to 20-40 cm in length. The plant foliage is submersed, and it has narrow, linear-shaped leaves with a blue-green to pinkish hue. The leaves are arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem, and each node can produce up to four shoots. The plant forms a dense bush with a rosette-like appearance that makes for a stunning display in aquariums.
Light Requirements
Rotala pedicellata grows best under moderate to high light conditions. A minimum of 2 watts per gallon of full spectrum (5000-7000K) lighting is recommended for this plant. If the lighting is inadequate, the plant tends to lose its color and growth rate slows down. However, too much light can encourage algae growth, so it is important to strike a balance between light intensity and duration of light exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Rotala pedicellata is between 68-82°F (20-28°C). This plant is native to tropical regions, so it prefers warmer water. If the water is too cold, the plant may stop growing and its leaves may become yellow or brown. On the other hand, excessive heat can cause the plant to melt or rot, so it is important to maintain a stable temperature range.
Soil Requirements
Rotala pedicellata can adapt to a variety of substrates, but it prefers nutrient-rich substrates, such as aqua soil or enriched sand. The substrate should be porous so that roots can penetrate easily. The pH of the substrate should be between 6.0-7.5, and hardness should not exceed 10°dKH. This plant also benefits from the addition of fertilizers and CO2 injection. Without proper nutrients, the plant will exhibit slow growth and yellowing of leaves, signaling nutrient deficiencies.
Cultivation Methods
Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz can be cultivated both in the aquarium and emersed settings. It requires a moderate level of lighting, CO2 supplementation, and nutrient-rich substrate for optimal growth. The plant grows upright with thin stems and narrow, pointy leaves that curve slightly outward.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz largely depend on the cultivation setting. In the aquarium, the plant thrives in soft, slightly acidic water with a pH range of 5.0-7.5 and a temperature range of 22-28°C. Regular water changes of up to 50% are necessary to prevent the accumulation of waste and ensure the availability of essential nutrients. In the emersed setting, the plant needs to be kept continuously moist, and the substrate should be watered regularly to prevent it from drying out.
Fertilization
Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz requires frequent fertilization to maintain healthy growth. In the aquarium, liquid fertilizers or root tabs can be used to provide the necessary nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements. CO2 supplementation is also essential to promote healthy plant growth. In the emersed setting, the plant benefits from regular applications of a balanced liquid fertilizer designed for aquatic plants.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential maintenance practice for Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz. Regular trimming of the plant's top stems encourages lateral growth, leading to bushier plants and a more appealing appearance. To prune the plant, use sharp scissors and cut the top portion of the stem while leaving some leaves intact. The cuttings can be replanted in the substrate or used to propagate new plants.
Propagation of Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz
Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz is a beautiful and popular aquatic plant in the hobbyist community. This plant is relatively easy to propagate and can reproduce by the following methods:
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves cutting a portion of the parent plant and planting it in a suitable substrate. This method is the most common way to propagate Rotala species, including R. pedicellata. To carry out vegetative propagation, the gardener should look for a healthy and tall stem and then cut it using a sharp and sterilized blade. The cuttings should then be planted in the substrate, ensuring that the lower part of the stem is buried in the substrate to establish proper root growth. Over time, new shoots will emerge from the cutting.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Rotala pedicellata through seeds is also possible, but it requires more effort and patience than vegetative propagation. The plant produces small and brown seeds that can be collected when they turn brown. These seeds can be sown in a suitable substrate and submerged in water. The substrate should be kept moist and warm, and within a few weeks, the seeds will germinate, producing small and fragile seedlings. Over time, the seedlings will grow and develop into mature plants.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Another method of propagating Rotala pedicellata is through tissue culture. This is a more advanced technique that involves growing plant tissues in a sterile laboratory environment. It is not recommended for beginners as it requires specialized skills and equipment. However, tissue culture propagation is useful for creating large quantities of plants quickly and efficiently.
Propagation is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy and attractive Rotala pedicellata aquarium. With the three methods mentioned above, gardeners can easily create new plants and enjoy a beautiful and thriving aquatic garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz
Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases and pests. However, certain conditions can cause it to become susceptible to some diseases and pests, such as:
Diseases
1. Bacterial leaf spot - This disease causes small, water-soaked spots on the leaves that eventually turn brown. To manage bacterial leaf spot, remove affected leaves and ensure the plant has adequate ventilation.
2. Brown algae - This disease manifests as brown or yellow patches on the leaves. To manage brown algae, keep the plant in a well-lit area and avoid overfeeding the fish, which can lead to excess nutrients in the water.
3. Fungal leaf rot - This disease causes the leaves to turn brown and develop a dusty appearance. To manage fungal leaf rot, remove affected leaves and ensure the plant is not overcrowded.
Pests
1. Snails - Snails can be problematic for Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz, as they can eat the leaves and damage the plant. To manage snails, manually remove them or use snail traps.
2. Planaria - Planaria are flatworms that can also eat the leaves and damage the plant. To manage planaria, remove any uneaten food from the tank and avoid overfeeding the fish.
3. Fish - While not a typical pest, some species of fish can damage the plant by eating the leaves or uprooting it. To manage fish, choose appropriate tank mates that will not harm the plant.
Overall, proper aquarium maintenance and care can prevent most diseases and pests from affecting Rotala pedicellata A.Fern. & Diniz. Monitoring the plant regularly and addressing any issues immediately can keep it healthy and thriving in your aquarium.
