Origin and Common Names
Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne, commonly known as Stuhlmann's Rotala, is a aquatic plant that is native to the tropical regions of Africa, specifically in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. It was named in honor of Franz Stuhlmann, a German explorer who extensively documented the flora and fauna of East Africa.
Appearance
Stuhlmann's Rotala is a small herbaceous plant that can grow up to 20-30 cm in length. It has slender stems that are green to reddish-brown in color and grows in a creeping pattern along the substrate where it forms small clusters of leaves. The leaves are thin and lance-like in shape, with a bright green to reddish coloration that intensifies with strong lighting and nutrient-rich substrate. The flowers of the plant are small and form at the tips of the stems, usually in an inflorescence of pinkish hues.
Uses
Stuhlmann's Rotala is a popular choice among aquarium hobbyists as it helps improve the overall aesthetics of an aquarium. It is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making it a beginner-friendly plant. Its small size and creeping habit make it a great candidate for aquascaping, where it can be used as a foreground or midground plant. Additionally, it can also help improve water quality in an aquarium by absorbing excess nutrients and providing shelter for small aquatic animals such as shrimp and fry.
Light Requirements
Rotala stuhlmannii requires moderate to high light levels for optimal growth. A minimum of 2 watts per gallon of full-spectrum light is recommended for planted aquariums with CO2 injection. If lighting is insufficient, the plant may struggle to sustain its vibrant red coloration and branching form.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adaptable to a wide temperature range, but it grows best between 68-82°F (20-28°C). In colder conditions, the growth rate may slow down and affect the overall health of the plant. In hotter conditions, the plant may develop faster but may also require higher CO2 and nutrient levels to prevent algae growth.
Water Quality Requirements
Rotala stuhlmannii prefers soft to slightly hard water with a pH range between 6.0-7.5. It is highly sensitive to poor water quality, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, stunted growth, and disease. Maintaining a stable water chemistry with frequent partial water changes is important to keep the plant healthy.
Soil and Nutrient Requirements
This plant grows well in a nutrient-rich substrate or in gravel with root tabs. It benefits greatly from regular fertilization with a complete liquid fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, CO2 injection can improve the growth rate and vibrant coloration of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne is a plant species that grows in the damp environments of aquatic bodies such as ponds, lakes, and swamps. To cultivate this plant species, it is best to replicate the conditions of its natural habitat.
You should grow Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne in aquariums or ponds. If you're planting this species in an aquarium, you should use fine-grained substrates such as sand or clay-based soils to promote healthy rooting. Also, establish proper lighting conditions as Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne needs adequate sunlight.
The recommended temperature range for growing Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne is around 20 to 26°C, with a pH range between 6.5 to 7.5 and with soft to moderately hard water conditions.
Watering Needs
Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne is an aquatic plant, and it needs to be submerged in water to survive. When watering this plant species, ensure that you submerge the entire plant in water.
You should keep the water level within the recommended range for healthy plant growth, which is between 2 to 4 inches in an aquarium and 6 inches in a pond. It is also important to ensure that the water pH level is kept within the recommended range of 6.5 to 7.5.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne needs nutrients that are commonly found in aquatic bodies. Fertilization is an essential aspect when cultivating this plant species.
You should use liquid fertilizers regularly or organic matter such as fish waste or manure to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth. Ensure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using liquid fertilizers to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to excess algae growth.
Pruning
Regular pruning is vital when cultivating Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne. It helps to ensure that the plant remains healthy and to maintain the desired plant size and shape.
To prune Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne, use sharp and clean scissors to cut off the upper parts of the stems. You can also remove old or dead leaves to improve plant growth.
If the plant is grown in an aquarium, you can also trim the roots to prevent overcrowding and keep them from obstructing the water flow.
Propagation of Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne
Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne, commonly known as Stickwort, is a popular aquatic plant in the aquarium trade due to its ornamental value. It is a relatively easy plant to propagate and can be done by following various methods like:
Propagation through stem cuttings
Propagating Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne from stem cuttings is the most common and straightforward method. Take the stem cuttings from the parent plant, make sure it has at least two nodes, and remove the leaves from the bottom to leave only two at the top. The cuttings can be stuck directly into the substrate and will develop roots within a few days. Maintain the aquarium water parameters in optimal conditions for faster rooting and growth.
Propagation through division
Another way to propagate Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne is by dividing the plant. This method is appropriate when the plant has grown tall and bushy. Take the plant out from the substrate and separate the stems into individual plants by gently pulling them apart. Trim the longer roots to approximately two inches in length and replant them in the substrate.
Propagation through seed
Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne produces tiny white flowers that eventually develop into seeds. Propagating the plant through seed can be challenging, as it may require several attempts to be successful. You can collect the seeds by cutting off the stem with the matured flowers and allow the pods to dry on a paper towel. Once the seeds are dry, they can be planted on the substrate and sprayed with water regularly. Keep the substrate moist until the seeds sprout.
Propagation of Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne is relatively easy and can be done by following the methods mentioned above. With proper care and maintenance, you can quickly turn one plant into several, making it an excellent addition to any aquarium or aquascape.
Disease Management
Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne is a plant species that is susceptible to fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. These infections can weaken the plant and make it more vulnerable to other diseases or pests. To manage plant diseases, follow the measures below:
- Ensure the plant is well-ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which is a common cause of fungal infection.
- Inspect plants regularly for any signs of disease or pests to detect the problem early and prevent it from spreading.
- Remove and dispose of any infected plant parts such as leaves, stems, and roots.
- Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer and avoid overfertilizing, which can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.
- Use fungicides and bactericides when necessary. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Common pests that may affect Rotala stuhlmannii Koehne include snails, slugs, aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant and may even kill it if the infestation is severe. Follow the measures below to manage pests:
- Inspect plants regularly for any signs of pests such as chewed leaves, discolored spots, or silken webs.
- Handpick and remove pests when spotted. This is especially useful for larger pests such as snails and caterpillars.
- Use insecticidal soap and horticultural oils when dealing with small pests such as aphids and spider mites. These chemical agents are effective in killing pests while not harming the plant.
- Set up barriers such as copper tape to prevent snails and slugs from reaching the plant.
- Avoid overwatering the plant, which can attract pests such as gnats and flies. Ensure proper drainage of excess water.
