Rotala rotundifolia ‘Periya’

Rotala rotundifolia ‘Periya’ is a beautiful aquarium stem plant originating from India, known for its slender needle-like leaves that develop soft pink to light red tones under high light and CO₂ injection. Its subtle yet bright colouring makes it a versatile highlight or filler plant in aquascapes.

Growing to 20-50 cm tall, it is suitable for midground placement in large tanks or background planting in nano and medium setups. Its upright growth and delicate leaves add vertical texture and lightness to planted layouts, contrasting beautifully against green foreground carpets and dark hardscape.

Rotala ‘Periya’ thrives under medium to high lighting with CO₂ injection, ensuring compact growth and rich pinkish-red colouration. Without CO₂ and proper nutrients, growth becomes slower and colours remain greener.

It has a moderate to fast growth rate and requires regular trimming to maintain density and prevent overshadowing of surrounding plants.

Does Rotala ‘Periya’ need CO₂?
CO₂ is recommended to achieve its best colouration and maintain healthy, compact growth.

Is Rotala ‘Periya’ suitable for low-tech tanks?
It can survive under medium lighting without CO₂, but colours will remain greenish and growth less dense.

How do you propagate Rotala ‘Periya’?
Trim healthy stems and replant them into the substrate to root and grow.

Why is Rotala ‘Periya’ used in Dutch aquascapes?
Its light pink to red tones add colour contrast and elegant fine texture to layouts.