Rotala Hra

Rotala H'ra (Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra', also sold as Rotala sp. H'ra) is a Vietnamese variety of Rotala rotundifolia, named after the Gia Lai province where it was originally collected. Under strong light it colors up in shades of pink, orange, and red that few other beginner-friendly stem plants can match.

Why It's a Good Stem Plant to Start With

Rotala rotundifolia varieties are some of the most forgiving stem plants for color — unlike many red plants that need pressurized CO2 to show any color at all, H'ra will still tint under moderate light, just less intensely than under a full high-tech setup.

Light and CO2

For the best pink-to-red coloration, aim for medium-high lighting and supplemental CO2. Under lower light it will still grow, but leans more green than pink. A nutrient-rich substrate helps significantly, since color intensity in Rotala is closely tied to nutrient availability, particularly iron and phosphate.

Planting and Care

Plant stems in small groups spaced an inch or two apart. Rotala grows quickly and will shade its own lower leaves if left untrimmed, so regular topping keeps the plant bushy and colorful from top to bottom rather than bare at the base.

Propagation

Cut a healthy top section once it approaches the surface, replant the cutting, and the original stem will branch out from below the cut. This is the fastest way to fill in a stem plant section of your aquascape, since Rotala responds well to frequent trimming.

A Good Starting Point

Our Rotala H'ra ships as fresh-cut stems ready to plant directly into your substrate.

Common Issues and Fixes

Green instead of pink growth almost always means light or nutrients are too low relative to what this variety needs for full color. Leggy, bare-bottomed stems mean it's overdue for a trim — cut and replant regularly rather than letting it grow unchecked.

Browse our full Rotala collection for more colorful stem plants.

Keep Reading

• The Secret to a Thriving Planted Aquarium: Photosynthesis and CO2 Systems
• How to Grow Rotala Ramosior Florida