Rotala H'ra Vietnam

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Rotala H’ra Vietnam is a popular stem plant prized for its fine, narrow leaves and vibrant orange, pink and red tones under suitable aquarium conditions. Commonly sold as Rotala rotundifolia ‘H’ra’, it originates from aquarium cultivation associated with Vietnam and is widely used in detailed aquascapes.

When grown submerged, its delicate foliage creates a soft, flowing appearance that works beautifully in the midground or background. With strong lighting and a reliable supply of nutrients and carbon dioxide, the plant can develop warm orange-red tips and deeper red hues, adding contrast to green aquatic plants.

Rotala H’ra grows relatively quickly and responds well to regular trimming. Cutting the tops encourages branching and creates a fuller, bushier group. Replanting healthy cuttings is an easy way to propagate the plant and expand a colourful stem arrangement.

Although it can survive in lower-tech aquariums, moderate to high lighting and added CO₂ are recommended for compact growth and stronger colour. Stable nutrients and good water quality also help reduce lower-leaf loss and encourage healthy new growth.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Rotala rotundifolia ‘H’ra’

• Common Name: Rotala H’ra Vietnam

• Family: Lythraceae

• Type: Freshwater stem plant

• Origin: Vietnam-associated aquarium variety

• Placement: Midground / Background

• Height: Approximately 20–50 cm

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

• Care Level: Moderate

• Lighting: Medium to high

• CO₂ Requirement: Recommended for best colour and compact growth

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• pH: Approximately 5.5–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich aquarium substrate recommended

• Propagation: Stem cuttings

• Colour: Orange, pink, red and sometimes green

• Suitable For: Planted aquariums and aquascaping

Care guidance is consistent with specialist aquarium plant references. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get Rotala H’ra to turn red?

Provide good lighting, stable CO₂ and balanced fertilisation. Stronger lighting generally encourages more intense orange-red and pink tones, although colour varies with growing conditions.

Does Rotala H’ra need CO₂?

CO₂ is not always essential for survival, but it is recommended for faster growth, denser stems and stronger colour.

How tall does it grow?

It can reach approximately 20–50 cm, making it suitable for the background of many aquariums. Regular trimming helps control its height.

Can I grow Rotala H’ra without aquasoil?

Yes, but nutrient-rich substrate and regular fertilisation can improve growth. The plant also absorbs nutrients from the water column.

How do I propagate Rotala H’ra?

Cut healthy stem tops and replant them in the substrate. Trimming the remaining stems also encourages side shoots, creating a fuller group.

Why is my Rotala H’ra growing green instead of red?

Insufficient light, unstable CO₂ or nutrient imbalances can reduce colour intensity. Some green colouring is normal, especially on lower or shaded leaves.

Common Mistakes

• Using low lighting and expecting intense red colour.

• Providing inconsistent CO₂ in a high-light aquarium.

• Allowing stems to become overcrowded and shaded.

• Neglecting regular trimming.

• Failing to provide balanced macro- and micronutrients.

• Making sudden changes to lighting or fertilisation in an attempt to force red colour.