Overview of Rotala submersa Pohnert
Rotala submersa Pohnert, also known as Rotala sp. 'H' and Rotala macrandra mini type 2, is a popular aquatic plant in the family Lythraceae. This plant is widely found in the aquarium trade due to its beautiful and unique appearance.
Origin
Rotala submersa Pohnert is native to Southeast Asia, including regions such as India, Bhutan, and Myanmar. This plant grows in freshwaters such as rivers, ponds, and streams.
Common Names
Rotala submersa Pohnert is known by many common names, such as Dwarf Rotala, Little Rotala, and Red Rotala. These names describe its physical appearance, size, and color.
Appearance
Rotala submersa Pohnert is small in size, with a height of about 10-20 cm. It has narrow, lanceolate leaves that are bright green on top and pinkish-orange on the bottom. When grown under high light and with an adequate supply of nutrients, its leaves turn into a blazing red color, making it a desirable plant in the aquarium hobby. This plant requires moderate to high lighting and a balanced supply of CO2 and nutrients.
Uses
Rotala submersa Pohnert is a popular aquarium plant for aquascaping due to its vibrant and appealing color. It is commonly used as a midground or foreground plant in a planted aquarium. It is known to provide a beautiful contrast when placed with other green-colored aquatic plants. In addition to its ornamental use, this plant is also used to treat illnesses in traditional medicine. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is believed to be useful in treating a range of conditions, such as headaches, menstrual cramps, and fever.
Light Conditions
Rotala submersa Pohnert requires moderate to high levels of light for optimal growth. In aquariums, it is recommended to provide at least 2-3 watts of light per gallon of water. Low light levels can lead to stunted growth and discoloration of the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Optimal temperature range for the growth of Rotala submersa Pohnert is around 72-82°F (22-28°C). Water temperatures outside this range can significantly affect the growth rate and overall health of the plant. Too low temperatures can cause the plant to become dormant, while too high temperatures can lead to algae growth.
Soil and Nutrient Requirements
Rotala submersa Pohnert prefers nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth. The substrate should be well-aerated and contain essential nutrients, such as iron, potassium, and nitrogen. Organic fertilizers or root tabs can be added to the substrate to provide these nutrients. Additionally, the plant benefits from the addition of CO2 and regular water changes to provide a healthy and stable environment.
Cultivation of Rotala submersa Pohnert
Rotala submersa Pohnert is an aquatic plant that is ideal for aquariums and ponds. It is a hardy plant that can thrive under a variety of conditions. For successful cultivation, ensure that the plant is grown in a nutrient-rich substrate.
The ideal substrate should be made up of a mix of gravel and laterite soil. The gravel will provide anchorage, while the laterite soil will provide the required nutrients. After planting, ensure that the substrate is moist to encourage the roots to grow.
Watering Needs
Rotala submersa Pohnert requires a constant supply of clean water to thrive. Regular water changes are essential to ensure the water quality remains high. The plant requires a slightly acidic water, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The optimum water temperature for the plant is between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius.
To prevent the buildup of algae, it is essential to maintain a healthy balance of nutrients in the water. Low levels of nitrates and phosphates, along with adequate levels of iron and CO2, will help to prevent the development of algae.
Fertilization
Fertilization is a vital aspect of growing Rotala submersa Pohnert. To ensure optimal growth, you must provide the plant with the necessary nutrients. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Most commercial fertilizers will contain these nutrients.
The frequency of fertilization will depend on the type of substrate used. If you opt for a nutrient-rich substrate, you may need to fertilize less frequently. If your substrate lacks nutrients, you may have to fertilize more frequently.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to keep Rotala submersa Pohnert looking its best. Trim the plant regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent leggy growth. Cut back any yellowing or damaged leaves to prevent the spread of disease.
Avoid over-pruning, as this can stress the plant. Only prune a maximum of 1/3 of the plant at once. Pruning should be done using clean, sharp scissors to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Rotala submersa Pohnert
Rotala submersa Pohnert, also known as the pink Rotala, is a popular aquatic plant in the aquarium hobby. It is known for its beautiful pinkish-red leaves. Propagation of this plant is important to maintain a healthy and full plant population in an aquarium. Here are the methods for propagating Rotala submersa Pohnert:
1. Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are a common and easy method to propagate Rotala submersa Pohnert. Using sharp scissors, cut a stem of the plant to the desired length. Ensure that the cutting has at least two nodes, which are the points on the stem where leaves emerge. Then, plant the cutting in the substrate of the aquarium or in a separate container with suitable growing conditions. Keep the substrate or container moist and place under sufficient lighting. The cutting will grow roots and form a new plant.
2. Side Shoots
Another propagation method is by using side shoots. As the Rotala submersa Pohnert plant grows, it will produce side shoots that can be snipped off and replanted into the substrate or separate container. Ensure that the side shoot has a few leaves and a root before planting. Similar to stem cuttings, keep the planted side shoot moist and under adequate lighting.
3. Adventitious Plants
Adventitious plants are small plants that grow from the base of the main stem on Rotala submersa Pohnert. These young plants can be carefully removed with scissors and replanted elsewhere in the aquarium. They will grow into new individual plants under suitable conditions.
Overall, propagating Rotala submersa Pohnert is an easy way to maintain a healthy and beautiful plant population in an aquarium. Stem cuttings, side shoots, and adventitious plants are all great methods to create new plants from an established plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Rotala submersa Pohnert
Rotala submersa Pohnert is a popular aquatic plant that requires proper care and management to stay healthy. However, disease and pests can negatively impact the plant's growth and even potentially kill it if not addressed. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Rotala submersa Pohnert and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Rotala stunting disease: This is a common virus that causes stunting of leaves and poor growth. It can be transmitted through vegetative propagation and pruning tools. The infected plant turns yellow to brown from the top to the bottom, and the leaves become brittle and easily breakable. The virus is not curable, and the only way to manage it is by destroying the infected plant and preventing the spread of the virus. Using sterilized pruning tools and avoiding vegetative propagation can prevent the spread of the virus.
Cotton wool disease: This fungal disease is commonly found in plants with poor quality water and inadequate growing conditions. The leaves develop a gray, cotton-like growth, which is actually fungal spores. The infected leaves eventually die and fall off. The best management approach is prevention, which involves growing Rotala submersa Pohnert in clean and well-oxygenated water, avoiding overcrowding, and providing adequate nutrition. The infected plant should be discarded to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease, but prevention is always a better approach than treatment.
Pests
Snails: Snails are small, slimy creatures that can wreak havoc on aquatic plants. They feed on the leaves of the plant, leaving holes and damaging the growth. The best way to manage snails is by physical removal using a net or a snail trap. If the infestation is severe, an aquatic-safe snail killer can be used to manage the problem.
Algae: Algae growth can occur in any aquatic environment, and while it is not technically a pest, it can compete with Rotala submersa Pohnert for nutrients and light, which affects the overall health of the plant. The best way to manage algae growth is through prevention, which involves keeping the water quality in check, providing adequate light and nutrients, and reducing the amount of organic debris in the aquarium. Algaecides can be used as a last resort, but it is best to use them sparingly to avoid harming the plant and other aquatic life.
By properly managing disease and pest problems, Rotala submersa Pohnert can thrive and add beauty to any aquarium. Always follow best practices for plant care, and be vigilant in monitoring the plant's health to catch any issues early on.
