Live Aquarium Plant Rotala H'Ra for Cascading Red Midground and Background Displays in High-Tech Tanks

Rotala H'Ra brings flowing shape and warm color to a planted aquarium, making it a striking choice for a sweeping midground bush or a sloped background display. Its narrow, pointed leaves and naturally arching stems create movement beyond the upright look of many stem plants.

This Vietnamese variety performs best in a stable high-tech setup. High-intensity light and pressurized CO2 at 20–30 ppm support its strongest salmon, fiery orange, and deep red coloration; under low light, the foliage remains mainly green.

Key Features

• Its cascading, horizontally branching growth forms an overhanging bush, giving aquascapers a natural way to build layered midground or background contours.
• Under high-intensity lighting and pressurized CO2, the pointed foliage develops vivid salmon, orange, and red tones that add a warm focal area to planted tanks.
• A medium-to-fast growth rate makes it practical for expanding coverage, while regular trimming keeps the bush at the desired height.
• Cut stem tops or side shoots can be replanted directly into the substrate, allowing established growth to be propagated across the aquascape.
• Spacing individual stems about half an inch apart lets light reach the lower foliage, reducing the risk of bare, leggy growth.
• The leaves are fragile, so gentle preparation and careful planting protect the stems while they settle into the substrate.

Specifications

• Scientific name: Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' (syn. Rotala sp. 'Gia Lai').
• Common names: Rotala H'ra, Rotala Gia Lai, and Rotala Hra.
• Family: Lythraceae.
• Plant type: Stem plant.
• Care difficulty: Easy to moderate.
• Light requirement: High.
• CO2 requirement: 20–30 ppm for intense red and orange coloration.
• Placement: Midground or background.
• Height: 4–8 inches or more.
• Growth rate: Medium to fast.
• Water pH: 6.5–7.5.
• Origin: Gia Lai Province, Vietnam.
• Propagation: Cuttings from stems, side shoots, or axial roots.
• Supplied form: Emersed or submerged, depending on nursery availability and seasonality.
• Available options: Lead Bunch or 3 Bunches + 1 Free.

Plant each prepared stem securely, keep water conditions stable, and trim once the desired height is reached to shape Rotala H'Ra into a colorful, cascading aquarium display.