Rotala sp 'Bangladesh' - Tissue Culture

Rotala sp. 'Bangladesh': The Fine-Leaved Color Pop

Rotala sp. 'Bangladesh' is a captivating and fine-leaved stem plant highly prized in the aquascaping community for its ability to display vibrant colors, ranging from light green to stunning pink-red/orange-red hues. The specific scientific classification of this plant has been debated, and it is sometimes listed as Rotala wallichii 'Bangladesh', Rotala macrandra 'Bangladesh' or Rotala mexicana 'Bangladesh'. However, this tissue culture is most commonly traded simply as Rotala 'Bangladesh'.

Unlike some of its relatives, this Rotala tissue culture variant features slender stems with narrow, fine leaves that often give a dense, bushy appearance under optimal conditions. Its color is highly dependent on environment, with strong lighting and CO2 being the primary drivers for achieving its beautiful pink and red coloration. In low-light environments, the plant will revert to a greener, more leggy form. It is a fast-growing stem plant that is generally suitable for the midground or background of the aquarium.

Care & Aquascaping:

• Lighting: Requires Moderate to High Lighting to achieve desirable coloration. Strong lighting (50+ PAR) is necessary to bring out the pink/red tones; otherwise, it will remain green.
• CO2: CO2 Supplementation is Highly Recommended. While it can survive without CO2, it is necessary for fast, dense, and vibrant growth. It should be considered a plant for a "high-tech" setup to see its full potential.
• Substrate: A Nutrient-Rich Substrate (like aquasoil) is preferred, which helps establish a strong root system. Regular liquid fertilization, particularly with Iron, is crucial for maintaining the red/pink colors.
• Trimming: This plant is a Fast Grower and requires frequent, regular trimming to maintain a dense, bushy shape and prevent the lower leaves from being shaded and melting. Trimming encourages the stem to send out lateral side shoots.
• Placement: Due to its height (4-12+ inches), it is best used as a colorful, textured mass in the Midground or Background, contrasting beautifully with bright green plants.
• Water Parameters: Prefers Soft to Moderately Hard water and slightly acidic to neutral pH. Maintaining stable water parameters is key to preventing melt or stunting.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Rotala sp. 'Bangladesh' (Synonyms: R. wallichii 'Bangladesh', R. macrandra 'Bangladesh')
• Primary Common Name: Rotala 'Bangladesh'
• Other Common Names: Rotala Mexicana 'Bangladesh'
• Origin: Asia (Associated with Bangladesh/India)
• Max Size: 4-12+ inches (10-30+ cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Non-Invasive Stem Plant)
• Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
• Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced (Requires High Light/CO2 for color)
• Lighting Needs: Medium to High
• CO2 Injection: Highly Recommended