Anubias Rotala sp. 'Colorata' (Indica)

The easy-to-keep stem plant Rotala 'Colorata' (indica), the coloured Rotala, comes from Asia. The 20 to 80cm high aquarium plant is perfect for the middle ground to the background of the aquarium and tolerates soft to hard water.

The beautifully coloured, fast-growing coloured Rotala, Rotala 'Colorata' (indica) from Asia is a very special red-leaved stem plant for the aquarium. It shows intense red, orange and pink colours under strong light. The narrow, small leaves grow on long, arched stems that can be deliberately overhanging in an aquascaping layout.

For strong colours and good growth, the coloured Rotala also needs fertilization with CO2 and a good supply of aquarium plant fertiliser. Colours are best under strong light and the plants tend to grow compact. Every now and then you have to prune back Rotala 'Colorata' (indica) thoroughly and boldly to rejuvenate it. Then it grows through again and looks really great.

You can then simply reproduce this elegant overhanging aquarium plant after you have cut it back: You stick the cut shoots into the substrate and let them take root there.

Our expert Oliver Knott recommends:
Fast-growing stem plants such as the Rotala 'Colorata' (indica) are great against algae - they consume a lot of nutrients and represent strong competition for algae. The use of fast-growing stem plants is particularly important for new facilities.