Origin
Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. is a species of aquatic plant that is native to the Amazon River Basin in South America. It can be found in areas such as Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.
Common Names
Common names for Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. include Brazilian Rotala and Toothed Rotala. It is also sometimes referred to as Narrow-Leaf Rotala.
Uses
Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. is a popular plant in the aquarium hobby due to its attractive appearance and ease of care. It is commonly used in aquascaping to create lush and natural looking underwater landscapes. This plant can also help to oxygenate the water in an aquarium, providing a healthy environment for fish and other aquatic life.
General Appearance
Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. is a stem plant that can grow up to 20 inches in height. Its leaves are narrow and toothed, with a dark green coloration. The plant itself has a very delicate and graceful appearance, with stems that are often bent or twisted. This species is capable of creating a dense and attractive mat of greenery when grown in large groups.
Light Requirements
Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. requires moderate to high levels of light to grow well. Insufficient light results in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and lower yield. On the other hand, too much light can cause algae growth on the leaves, leading to reduced plant growth and overall health. A photoperiod of 10-12 hours per day is ideal for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm water temperatures between 72°F - 82°F (22°C - 28°C). Water temperatures outside this range can result in poor growth or even the death of the plant. In warm water, Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. grows quickly to produce fresh stems and leaves, while in cold water it grows slowly leading to smaller plant size and sub-optimal look.
Soil Requirements
The plant is not very demanding when it comes to soils and can grow in most substrates. However, it prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Adding root tabs or fertilizers with microelements and macroelements such as phosphate, nitrogen, and potassium can boost the plant's growth and overall health. It requires occasional pruning to keep the plant looking neat and to prevent the overgrowth of the lower leaves from shading the lower portion of the plant.
Cultivation of Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern.
When cultivating Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern., it is important to note that this plant requires relatively high amounts of light of around 0.5 - 1 watt per liter. Additionally, the CO2 supply should be sufficient, and the water temperature should be between 20-28°C.
It is beneficial to add a nutrient-rich substrate at the bottom of the aquarium before planting. This will help the plants to establish themselves and grow faster. When planting, the roots should be spread, and the plant should be placed firmly in the substrate.
Watering Needs of Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern.
Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. thrives in moderately hard water, with a pH range of 6 - 7.5. A stable water quality is essential for the plant's growth. The water should be changed regularly to ensure that the nutrients supply is not depleted and that the water parameters remain stable.
The plant prefers high lighting and an ample amount of CO2, which can help prevent algae growth. Reduced lighting should be avoided to avoid stunted growth and potential algae bloom.
Fertilization of Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern.
Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. requires regular fertilization. It would benefit from nutrient-rich substrates and liquid fertilizers containing essential trace elements and macronutrients.
The fertilizers should be added regularly as per the manufacturer's instructions, typically weekly or bi-weekly, to support healthy growth. Overfertilization should be avoided to prevent toxicity to the plant and fish.
Pruning Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern.
Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. grows rapidly and may require pruning to control its size and shape. Overgrown plants should be pruned back to maintain their size and prevent overcrowding of the aquarium.
When pruning, it is essential to use a trimming tool, like a pair of scissors or a pruning scissor, to prevent damage to the plant. Trim away any dead or damaged leaves to improve the plant's overall appearance and promote healthy growth.
Propagation of Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern.
Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. can be propagated in a variety of ways. The best method depends on the grower's needs and available resources. Here are the most common methods:
Division
Division is an easy and reliable method for propagating Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. First, the plant should be removed from the aquarium carefully as to not cause any damage to the roots of the plant. Then, cut the plant into several parts with healthy roots, and ensure each division has some leaves. The separated parts can then be planted in separate containers, taking care to avoid overcrowding.
Stem Cutting
Stem cutting is another practical method. Take a sharp and sterile pair of scissors and cut off the top portion of the plant, which is roughly 10 cm in height. Ensure that the cutting has some leaves and a sufficient part of the stem. Then, place the cutting in water, a substrate, or another container filled with planting media, and wait for new growth to appear. Once the new growth has appeared, the new plant can be transplanted into its permanent aquarium home.
Runners
Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. can also propagate via runners. This method is similar to division, but instead of separating the plant, runners are created. The runner will grow outwards from the base of the plant and develop new shoots, and once these new shoots have roots, you can cut the runner off and plant the new shoots in a separate container. This method ensures that the new plants will be clones of the mother plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern.
Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. is a beautiful aquatic plant that requires proper care and attention to thrive. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can harm or even kill it if left unchecked. As a helpful assistant, I have gathered information on some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant, and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Brown Algae: Brown algae or diatoms are tiny, unicellular organisms that can grow on the leaves and stems of Rotala submersa. They form a brown or gray film that can prevent the plant from receiving enough light to photosynthesize. To manage brown algae, you can increase the amount of light reaching the plant, reduce the amount of organic matter in the water, and add a diatom filter to your aquarium system.
Fungal Infections: Rotala submersa is also susceptible to fungal infections, which can cause the leaves and stems to rot. To prevent fungal infections, make sure that the aquarium water is well-circulated and maintained at appropriate levels of pH, temperature, and nutrient balance. Remove any infected plant parts and treat the remaining healthy plants with a fungicide suitable for aquarium use.
Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections can also occur in Rotala submersa, causing the leaves and stems to turn brown or black and the plant to wilt. To prevent bacterial infections, quarantine new plants before introducing them to your aquarium and maintain clean and well-oxygenated water. If you already have an infected plant, remove it from the aquarium and treat the remaining healthy plants with an antibiotic suitable for aquarium use.
Common Pests
Snails: Snails are a common pest in aquariums, and they can feed on Rotala submersa leaves and elongated stems. To manage snails, you can remove them by hand, add snail-eating fish to the aquarium, or use a snail trap. Avoid using chemicals that can harm other aquatic life in the tank.
Algae-Eating Fish: Although they can be beneficial in reducing algae growth, some algae-eating fish can also nibble on Rotala submersa leaves and stems. To manage algae-eating fish, you can monitor their behavior and remove them if they are causing damage to the plants. Alternatively, you can choose other types of fish that do not feed on plants.
Ich: Ich or white spot disease is a parasitic infection that can commonly affect fish in aquariums. Although it does not directly affect Rotala submersa, it can weaken the fish and make them more susceptible to other diseases. To manage ich, you can follow proper quarantine procedures for new fish, monitor the water quality, and treat infected fish with an appropriate medication.
With proper care and attention, you can keep your Rotala submersa Pohnert var. angustipetala A.Fern. healthy and thriving, and prevent or manage any diseases or pests that might affect it. Always consult with a professional before using any treatments or chemicals in your aquarium.
