Overview
Rotala tenella (Guill. & Perr.) Hiern is an aquatic plant species considered as one of the most popular, strikingly beautiful, and easy-to-grow aquatic plants among aquarists. It is native to Madagascar, East Africa, and Indian Ocean islands and commonly referred to as Rotala, Tender Rotala, or Needle-Leaved Rotala.
Appearance
It is a delicate and fine-leaved plant that can grow up to 20 inches tall under favorable conditions. Its stem is thin, round, and red-brownish, and the leaves are narrow with reddish-pink coloration. The plant produces numerous long, narrow stalks with small leaves branching out from the central stem, bearing delicate and linear green leaves that are tinged with shades of pink or red in high light conditions. The species can produce beautiful small flowers with a pinkish hue on the inflorescence shoots.
Uses
Due to its beautiful, colorful, and lush appearance, Tender Rotala is commonly used in the aquarium hobby. It is an excellent aquatic plant for aquascaping, representing aquascapes with its graceful and delicate growth habit. Rotala tenella requires low to medium light conditions, making it an ideal aquarium plant for new hobbyists. Apart from aquatic use, Rotala tenella has high nutrient content, making it a potential source of food for livestock.
Light Requirements
Rotala tenella requires high levels of light for optimal growth. It is a photosynthetic plant, which means it relies on light to produce energy. Low light levels can lead to stunted growth, while too much light can cause excessive algae growth.
Temperature Requirements
Rotala tenella grows best in warm water temperatures of 75-82°F (24-28°C). Lower temperatures can slow down growth, while higher temperatures can lead to increased algae growth and other issues. It is important to keep the water temperature stable and not fluctuate too much.
Soil Requirements
Rotala tenella does not have any specific soil requirements, as it is an aquatic plant. It can be grown in a variety of substrates, including sand, gravel, and soil. However, it does best in a nutrient-rich substrate that can help support its growth. A substrate that is too coarse may not provide enough support for the delicate stems of Rotala tenella.
Cultivation
Rotala tenella is an aquatic plant species that requires aquatic conditions to thrive. To cultivate Rotala tenella successfully, you will need to provide specific environmental conditions for it to grow. The plant prefers a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5, and a temperature range of 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is best to plant Rotala tenella in a substrate of fine-grained sand or gravel. The plant's small roots will struggle to anchor in large-grained substrates. In a well-planted aquarium, the plant will grow up to 4 inches tall with leaves that are thin, bright-green, and about 0.4 inches long.
Watering Needs
Rotala tenella requires clean water free of pollutants and rich in minerals and nutrients for optimum growth. Change the water at least every two weeks to get rid of contaminants that can hinder plant growth. Use reverse osmosis water or filtered water if tap water has any minerals that can impact the pH or hardness of the water.
It is best to avoid sudden changes in water conditions, as it can stress the plant causing it to wilt and die. A sudden temperature change of more than 10 degrees or a change of pH by 0.4 may cause the plant's leaves to turn yellow and eventually die.
Fertilization
Rotala tenella is a fast-growing species with high nutritional demands. Provide aquatic plant fertilizers with micro and macronutrients such as potassium, iron, and nitrogen that the plant will require to thrive. Liquid fertilizers are typically added directly to the water as instructed by the manufacturer.
Ensure that you do not overdose the aquarium with fertilizers, as this can lead to the growth of algae that can harm the Rotala tenella. It is best to follow the instructions on the fertilizers and introduce them gradually to assess how the plant responds.
Pruning
Rotala tenella is a hardy plant species that requires minimal trimming. However, the plant may need to be pruned when it becomes too tall by trimming the upper sections. It is essential to leave a few inches of the plant above the substrate to allow the Rotala tenella to continue growing.
If you notice that the leaves are yellowing or rotting, prune the affected section before it spreads to other areas. Ensure that you sterilize the scissors or pruning tools to avoid contamination and the spread of diseases to the plant.
Overall, to cultivate a healthy Rotala tenella plant, you will need to provide conditions suitable for its growth, regularly change the water, fertilize it, and prune it when necessary.
Propagation of Rotala tenella
Rotala tenella is a fast-growing aquatic plant that can easily propagate through various methods. Here are the different ways to propagate Rotala tenella:
Propagating through stem cuttings
One of the most common ways of propagating Rotala tenella is through stem cuttings. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut a 2-3 inch section of the stem with at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes, and plant the cutting into the substrate. Make sure that the nodes are buried in the substrate, as this is where the roots will grow from. Keep the substrate moist, and within a few days, the cutting will start developing roots. After a few weeks, the new plant will start growing leaves.
Propagating through side shoots
Rotala tenella propagates through side shoots that grow from the main stem. The best time to propagate through side shoots is when the plant is actively growing. Simply cut off one of the side shoots, making sure it has roots attached to it. Plant it into the substrate, and keep it moist until it establishes itself in the substrate.
Propagating through runners
Rotala tenella can also produce runners that grow along the substrate. These runners will eventually produce new plants. Once the runners have grown long enough and have produced several new plants, you can cut them off and plant them into the substrate. Alternatively, you can wait for the runners to fully develop into new plants before separating them from the main plant.
Propagating through seed
Rotala tenella can also be propagated through seed, although this is not a commonly used method. Collect the seeds from the plant once they are mature. Sow the seeds in a seedling tray with substrate and keep the substrate moist. The seeds will germinate within a few days to a week. Once the seedlings have grown to a manageable size, you can plant them in the aquarium substrate.
Disease and Pest Management for Rotala Tenella
Rotala tenella is a delicate plant known for its beautiful red or pink coloration. It is popular among aquarists and pond keepers because of its ability to add color to an aquatic environment. However, like any other plant, it is vulnerable to disease and pest attacks. Effective disease and pest management start with preventive measures.
Common Diseases that Affect Rotala Tenella
The plant is susceptible to different diseases, including bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Below are some of the common diseases that might affect Rotala tenella:
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are one of the leading causes of plant death. Symptoms of bacterial infections on Rotala tenella include yellowing, blackening, and wilting. To prevent bacterial infections, ensure that the water parameters are stable and avoid overcrowding the container. You can use antibiotics to control bacterial infections.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are common in moist environments. Symptoms of fungal infections on Rotala tenella are white cottony growths, spots, and wilting. To prevent fungal infections, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and has enough airflow. You can use fungicides to control fungal infections.
Viral Infections
Viruses are common in plants, and Rotala tenella is no exception. Symptoms of viral infections on Rotala tenella include mosaic patterns, stunted growth, and yellowing. Prevent viral infections by avoiding contaminated tools, plants, and water. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections, and the affected plant should be removed and destroyed.
Common Pests that Affect Rotala Tenella
Pests are common in plants, and Rotala tenella is no exception. Below are some of the common pests that might affect Rotala tenella:
Snails and Slugs
Snails and slugs can damage Rotala tenella by eating the leaves and stem. To prevent snails and slugs, remove any decaying plant matter and debris from around the container. You can also use snail and slug bait to control the population.
Aphids
Aphids suck the sap from the plant and weaken it. Signs of an aphid infestation include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and white excrement. To prevent aphids, remove any weed nearby and keep the container clean. You can use insecticides to control the population.
Algae
Algae can grow on Rotala tenella and deprive it of light. Signs of an algae infestation include green slimy growth on the leaves and stem. To prevent algae, reduce the light intensity and duration, and avoid overfeeding the plant. You can use algaecides to control the population.
In conclusion, Rotala tenella is a delicate plant that requires proper care to thrive. By implementing the preventive measures and using the appropriate control methods, you can effectively manage any disease or pest attacks on the plant.
