Dennerle - Rotala rotundifolia 'Laos'

Introduction:

Rotala rotundifolia ‘Laos’ is an elegant and highly decorative stem plant from Southeast Asia, named after its region of origin. This beautiful variety stands out for its rich reddish-brown stems and light to olive-green leaves, creating a vibrant contrast that enhances any aquascape. Under intense lighting, the shoot tips develop a delicate orange-red hue, adding depth and warmth to the underwater scene.

Versatile and adaptable, Rotala ‘Laos’ thrives both submerged in aquariums and emersed in wabi-kusa setups, where its subtle tones and compact growth habit make it a visually captivating choice. With patience and the right conditions, this plant may even produce small, charming flowers, offering a rewarding touch for dedicated aquascapers.

Care Requirements:

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2–12°dGH)

Nutrient Requirements:
Rotala rotundifolia ‘Laos’ flourishes in nutrient-rich conditions with a fine-grain substrate and consistent liquid fertilization. It benefits greatly from CO₂ supplementation, which enhances coloration, density, and overall vitality. Strong lighting is essential to achieve the most intense red and orange tones in the upper shoots.

Tank Setup:

Best suited for midground to background placement, Rotala ‘Laos’ can be planted in small, dense groups to form vibrant, textured clusters. Regular trimming encourages bushy, compact growth and allows aquascapers to shape it into natural or structured layouts. In open aquariums, it also adapts beautifully to emersed growth, perfect for wabi-kusa or paludarium designs.

Care Tips:

To maintain its color and form, provide consistent lighting and nutrient availability. Trim regularly to prevent the lower stems from shading out and to encourage side shoots for a fuller appearance. When transitioning from in vitro to aquarium, give the plant time to adjust—new submerged leaves will soon appear, displaying its characteristic coloration.

Summary:

Rotala rotundifolia ‘Laos’ is an eye-catching and versatile stem plant, perfect for aquascapers seeking to introduce subtle color transitions and natural elegance. Its reddish hues, graceful form, and adaptability make it an exceptional addition to both aquariums and wabi-kusa arrangements.

Disclaimer: Product images are for display purposes only. As natural products, live plants will vary in size, shape, and color. Please ensure you have selected your preferred option of either in vitro cup, net pot, or loose plant before completing your purchase.