ADA Rotala rotundifolia 'Wayanad'

Rotala rotundifolia 'Wayanad' is a refined, region-specific variant of the classic Rotala rotundifolia, named after the Wayanad district in southern India where it naturally occurs. This cultivar is introduced by ADA and stands out for its delicate, narrow leaves and elegant growth habit. Under optimal conditions, it showcases soft pink to reddish tones, adding a graceful and colourful accent to planted aquariums. With a height range of 20–50 cm and a spreading tendency through side shoots, it’s ideal for layered aquascapes.

How to Use in the Aquarium

‘Wayanad’ is best planted in dense groups in the midground or background to highlight its bushy appearance and warm hues. It works beautifully in nature-style or Dutch-style layouts, where its vertical growth and fine texture provide contrast against broadleaf or carpeting plants. The colouration intensifies under high light and with CO₂ enrichment, allowing it to serve as a gentle focal point or background canvas in aquascapes.

Maintenance

This Rotala variety is relatively undemanding but shows its best form under stable, high-tech conditions. Regular trimming encourages denser growth and prevents the stems from becoming too leggy. It propagates easily by cutting the top portions and replanting them in the substrate. Consistent dosing of micronutrients, especially iron, helps maintain its colouration, while strong lighting supports compact, upright growth.

Emersed Growth

In emersed form, Rotala rotundifolia 'Wayanad' produces slightly broader, rounder leaves, retaining a soft green to pinkish hue depending on light intensity. It can flower when grown emersed in a humid environment, such as terrariums, or paludariums. The plant adapts smoothly between emersed and submerged growth, although some leaf melt or shape change is typical during the transition.

Rotala rotundifolia 'Wayanad' Growth Information