Why is my Rotala Rotundifolia melting off the stem?

[ambrosia04]

It keeps melting from the bottom up...
Maybe not enough light? Idk which light it is
I have tropica fertilizer but have only used it one still
Nitrates are around 5 and PH around 7.2

My Limnophila sessiliflora also did the same, it melted and started floating only the top

I bought some plant weights and plan on putting them on this Sunday
I have aquasoil and the tank is like 1 month old?
I love both those plants but I'm so sad they won't stay

Maybe they need more current? They are not swaying at all. It's because my filter is less "aggresive" now because I had to put nylon in the outflow and sponge in the intake so my boraras merah don't get trapped. Maybe a gentle wave maker or something? IDK

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Tropica kists severl different types of this plant, Do you know which of them you have?
https://tropica.com/en/plants/search/?mode=search&sew=Rotala Rotundifolia&dif=&pgr=&ori=&use=

 

[MattW]

This is a newer setup, correct?
Aquatic plants are usually grown in an emersed state rather than submerged under water when they are sold. The plant still may be converting as its older growth becomes energy-wasting. For me rotala is a species that takes time to adjust. I bought some off eBay 2+ months ago, and only now is it taking off in its aquatic form. The best advice I can give is to let it float. The higher intensity light at the top helps massively imo.

This is my old fry tank from a couple of years back. The rotala had taken a hit, and after leaving it to float, it took off.

 

[ambrosia04]

Tropica kists severl different types of this plant, Do you know which of them you have?
https/tropica.com/en/plants/search/?mode=search&sew=Rotala Rotundifolia&dif=&pgr=&ori=&use=

No clue ngl! hahaha it's supposed to be red

 

[ambrosia04]

This is a newer setup, correct?
Aquatic plants are usually grown in an emersed state rather than submerged under water when they are sold. The plant still may be converting as its older growth becomes energy-wasting. For me rotala is a species that takes time to adjust. I bought some off eBay 2+ months ago, and only now is it taking off in its aquatic form. The best advice I can give is to let it float. The higher intensity light at the top helps massively imo.

This is my old fry tank from a couple of years back. The rotala had taken a hit, and after leaving it to float, it took off.
View attachment 380852

I see! My tank is 1 month old! the rotala has been there from the start too. I'll let it float and I bought a new light (aquael 17W (Plant)) because this one is pretty weak (aquael 7W (Sunny)...

 

[GaryE]

I also had my Rotala from a pet shop have trouble with adjusting to underwater life. Now, I have lots. No weights needed - snip it regularly and jam it into the substrate. I do the same with Limno, and it thrives.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

The Rotala rotundicflia which can turn red will only do do under high light conditions. The very very red variety not only need high light but also added CO2. Here is what Tropica says about this variety"

'Blood Red' is the most intensely red-colored variation of Rotala rotundifolia. Placing it next to light green plants will enhance its vibrant red color.This plant is easy to grow and can thrive in relatively low light and nutrient conditions. However, to achieve the most intense coloration, plenty of light and added CO2 are necessary.The plant grows erect to slightly arching, producing many branches. Regular trimming is needed to ensure good light penetration and water flow among the stems.

https/tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/Rotalarotundifolia'BloodRed'(032DTC)/30047

Other varieties will give some red coloration without added CO2 but they still need good light.:

The Latin name means "the plant with the round leaves'', but this only applies to the marsh variety, which has circular leaves. Rotala rotundifolia from South-East Asia has 15-30 long stems (2-3 cm wide) and long, narrow leaves. Unlike other Rotala species it is relatively undemanding, although it needs good light to produce red leaves. It forms side shoots willingly, becoming compact and bushy. This also means that it is hard for light to reach the lower leaves, so the plant should be pruned frequently. Also known as Rotala indica.

https://tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/Rotalarotundifolia(033)/4447

There is a green variety as well:

The Asiatic Rotala sp. ‘Green’ is very similar to Rotala rotundifolia, but its leaves remain fresh and bright green, even with intensive light. Stems becomes 40-50 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. The plant forms many side shoots willingly and obtains a beautiful, bushy and "hanging" growth. Prune it frequently to maintain healthy growth. An ideal starter plant that looks best when planted in large groups.

https/tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/Rotalarotundifolia'Green'(033ATC)/22545


I had a variety of plants some of which need to adapt from being grown emersed to being submerged. I have not seen this in stem plants but I have not kept this species so I cannot say it would be the same with them. Stem plants are usually considered to be fast growers as well as easily propagated. Most stems if you prune them the part still in the substrate will then put out multipls shoots.

So, it you want a group of individual tall plants then you pull up the bottom and replant the top. But if you want a more bish-like plant then you prune and allow the multiple shoots to develop. When I did my hight light CO2 added tank and wanted the single stem look I found I was having to cut them in half, remove the bottom and replant the top about ever 3 - 4 weeks. One of my favorite plants for that tank was Rotala macrandra which got an intense pinkish red.

But my all time favorite was Ludwigia glanduloasa in the front left of the pic below

When stem plants get taller or we make them bush, we do need to insure they are getting sufficient light to the leaves closer to the substrate.