Rotala sp. H'ra - Tissue Culture

Rotala 'H'ra': The Sunset Orange Aquascape Plant

Rotala 'H'ra', often classified as a cultivar of Rotala rotundifolia, is a delicate and highly sought-after tissue culture originating from the central highlands of Vietnam (the name refers to the H'Ra hamlet in Gia Lai province). Prized by aquascapers for its ability to produce striking sunset colors—ranging from deep orange to pink and red-violet—it adds a vibrant splash of warmth and contrast to a planted tank.

Unlike many other red plant tissue cultures, Rotala 'H'ra' has notably narrow, fine leaves that create a softer, feathery texture, making it ideal for creating dense, bushy accents in the mid-to-background of an aquarium. It exhibits an attractive growth habit, with stems that can grow vertically or curve and creep horizontally toward the light, providing versatility for creative aquascaping layouts.

To achieve its most intense coloration and desirable compact, bushy form, this plant requires high light, CO₂ injection, and specific nutrient management. It is generally considered a plant for intermediate to advanced aquarists who can maintain stable, controlled tank conditions.

Coloration & Growth Requirements:

• Lighting: High light is essential (80+ PAR is often recommended). The intensity of the light directly correlates with the vibrancy of the red/orange/pink hues; under lower light, the plant will grow green and "leggy." A photoperiod of 8-10 hours is standard.
• CO₂ Injection: Highly recommended (20-30 ppm). While the plant may survive without it, CO₂ is necessary to support fast growth and vibrant colors under high light, and to prevent algae outbreaks.
• Nutrients (The Key to Red): To achieve its most intense red coloration, Rotala 'H'ra' thrives under Nitrate (NO₃) limitation. This means keeping water column nitrate levels very low (some suggest aiming for <30 ppm or even lower) while ensuring all other nutrients (Potassium, Phosphate, and especially Iron) are readily available. This controlled nitrogen stress causes the plant to produce protective red pigments (anthocyanins). A nutrient-rich aquasoil substrate is highly beneficial as a backup store for nutrients.
• Growth Habit: This is a fast-growing stem plant. To achieve a dense, bushy appearance, frequent and aggressive trimming is required. Cut the tops of the stems and replant the cuttings to propagate and increase density. Pruning encourages the plant to branch out laterally, creating a compact clump.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' (Also known as Rotala sp.)
• Primary Common Name: Rotala 'H'ra'
• Origin: Vietnam (Gia Lai Province, H'Ra)
• Max Height: 8-20+ inches (20-50+ cm), highly variable depending on trimming.
• Skill Level: Moderate to Advanced
• Growth Rate: Medium to Fast (Optimal conditions lead to fast growth)
• Placement: Midground to Background (Can be carpeted with high light/CO2)
• Light Demand: High (Required for optimal color)
• CO₂ Requirement: Recommended to High (Essential for intense color and dense growth)
• Water Parameters: pH 5.5-7.5; Temp 72° - 82° F (22° - 28° C); Soft to Moderately Hard Water