When aquarists are looking for a plant that can become a bright accent in an underwater landscape, they often turn their attention to species from Asia. Among these treasures, Rotala nannieshan stands out in particular — an elegant bush that came to us from the island of Taiwan.
What immediately attracts attention in this plant is its unusual color. Young leaves have a rich pink or even orange-red hue that looks incredibly cheerful. It looks as if a small autumn bush has settled in the aquarium, constantly retaining its brightness.
Even the most inexperienced hobbyist can grow such beauty. Rotala nannenshan does not require overly complex conditions. Good light and nutritious soil are enough, and it will thankfully respond with active growth and lush colors, gradually turning into a fluffy and very picturesque bush.
Distribution
In natural conditions, Rotala grows in Asia and the Caucasus. It prefers swampy areas and river shoals. The species name reflects its place of origin, namely the region of Taiwan (Nanshan).
Growing and care
Rotala nannieshan grows both in water and “on land,” but only in high humidity. Moreover, if rotala is grown in the air, it begins to bloom. The flowers are small and purple in color. It grows quite quickly (about 20 cm/month), so it requires periodic trimming.
One of the characteristics of Rotala is its unique growth pattern—it does not grow upward, but at an angle or horizontally, allowing the plant to spread. This makes it possible to use Rotala not only in the background, but also in the middle ground.
Rotala can be fixed in the ground or left to float freely. However, from an aesthetic point of view, planting in the ground is preferable.
When transferring Rotala to an aquarium, it is important to prevent the rhizome from coming into contact with air.
Water parameters for ideal conditions
The temperature for keeping the plant is +24–+280C. The water should be soft: carbonate hardness: 0–210 dKH; total hardness: 5–100. The pH should be 4.5–7.5 pH.
The water should be changed every two weeks, replacing 30% of the aquarium's contents with fresh water each time.
Lighting requirements
Rotala requires good lighting for at least 12 hours a day, of which 2 hours must be natural light. If there is insufficient lighting, the plant becomes pale and weak.
The parts of the rotala closest to the light source take on a reddish color. Lamps with a power of 1 W/l are used for lighting.
Requirements for soil, nutrient substrate
Rotalia can be planted in fine-grained soil. A nutritious substrate is required, such as Dennerle Nutri Basis 6 in 1 for plants, Tetra Plant CompleteSubstrate, ADA Power Sand Special-S, etc.
Fertilizer requirements
If Rotala is planted in soil with a peat substrate, fertilizers may not be necessary at all. However, if the plant has noticeably weakened or is not growing well, you can add regular mineral fertilizers (with phosphorus and nitrogen, suitable for aquariums with fast-growing plants and a small number of fish). It is recommended to feed with liquid macrofertilizers:
- Tropica Specialised Nutrition;
- Dennerle A1 Daily NPK;
- Easy-Life ProFito (does not contain phosphorus or nitrogen, so it is suitable for aquariums with lots of fish).
The fertilizer dosage for rotala should be half that specified by the manufacturer for other plants.
Reproduction
Rotala is propagated vegetatively by cuttings. To do this, the upper part of the stem (about 10 cm long) is cut off and transplanted into soil with a nutrient substrate. After a few days, the plant will take root. When growing Rotala outdoors, it is important to maintain high humidity.
Rotala is also sold in cuttings. After purchase, the cutting is placed in water, where it takes root, after which the plant can be rooted.
When handling Rotala Nian Nian Shan, it is important to remember that it is an extremely delicate plant. It should not be touched unnecessarily with your hands; it is better to use special tweezers.
Rotala nannieshan is a bright and elegant aquatic plant from Taiwan that has long won the hearts of aquarists around the world. Its thin stems and rich red-green leaves create a picturesque backdrop in the aquarium, like a natural carpet at the bottom of a pond. The plant is not too capricious, but for lush growth and rich color, it likes good lighting and feeding. Thanks to its compactness and decorative qualities, Nian Nian Shan is perfect for both beginners and experienced aquascape enthusiasts — it easily transforms any aquarium into a mini-garden.
Other species
There are quite a few species in the Rotala genus. The most well-known are the following:
- Rotala wallichii has needle-like leaves ranging in color from green to crimson.
- indian rotala (R. indica) — becomes bluish in strong light;
- round-leaved rotala (R. rotundifolia) — has a bright green color and red flowers on the above-water part;
- rotala macrandra (R. macrandra) – colored pink-olive or even red. It has pink flowers with prominent stamens. This species has a number of subspecies: red, green, narrow-leaved, tiger, mini;
- r. Hippuris – has needle-like leaves of light green or golden color. The tops may be pinkish;
- rotala Pearls (R. pearls) – a plant native to Singapore, rarely used in aquariums. It has green leaves with a purple tint and pointed tips;
- rotala pusilla – characterized by vertical growth, the ends of the leaves are slightly curved downward, and the color is yellowish-red or brownish;
- r. sp. Butterfly – a small plant of raspberry or red color. It is sometimes considered one of the subspecies of Macrandra;
- rota Mexican Goias – a weed in rice fields. It has a straight or creeping stem, reddish or green color, narrow leaves.
So, Rotala nannishan is truly a gem for aquarium enthusiasts who prefer a natural style. Its delicate, almost lacy foliage creates stunning airy thickets that become the center of attention in any underwater landscape.
Although the plant requires some attention, growing it is a fascinating process. Stable conditions, good light, and nutrition are all you need for this Taiwanese beauty to reveal itself in all its glory. The result is definitely worth the effort.
If you want to add elegance, depth, and natural harmony to your aquarium, feel free to try growing Rotala nannieshan. It can turn an ordinary body of water into a living, dynamic work of art that will delight the eye every day.
