Initially introduced into the hobby by the Japanese company Rayon Vert, Rotala sp. 'Vietnam' can be found growing in shallow bodies of water and moist soils in its native country. It has recently made its way into the United States and can be obtained through other hobbyists.
The culture of R. sp. 'Vietnam' is similar to that of Rotala wallichii. Moderate lighting will result in a mostly green plant with red stems, while intense lighting will help bring out a pleasant golden hue. CO2 supplementation is necessary for good results. Phosphate should be kept moderate to rich (1-2 ppm) to encourage larger stems, shorter internodes, and redder coloration. Iron and micronutrient dosing is also critical for the well-being of this species. Stems that are deficient in iron will became small and pale, and extreme deficiencies can result in the death of the meristem.
This golden stem plant shares a similar growth habit with Rotala wallichii (to which it may belong). It grows vertically and produces many side shoots (especially when it is allowed to grow along the surface). The pruning of this species is easily accomplished through the cutting and replanting the shoot apexes or the removal of all of the apexes within a stand of plants. Propagation, which can be accomplished by simply snipping off a side shoot and replanting it, is easy.
Rotala sp. 'Vietnam' can be used in the mid- to background of any layout, especially in those aquascapes which depend heavily on the use of stem plants. This species can form an excellent contrast to both red and green colored plants.
The culture of R. sp. 'Vietnam' is similar to that of Rotala wallichii. Moderate lighting will result in a mostly green plant with red stems, while intense lighting will help bring out a pleasant golden hue. CO2 supplementation is necessary for good results. Phosphate should be kept moderate to rich (1-2 ppm) to encourage larger stems, shorter internodes, and redder coloration. Iron and micronutrient dosing is also critical for the well-being of this species. Stems that are deficient in iron will became small and pale, and extreme deficiencies can result in the death of the meristem.
This golden stem plant shares a similar growth habit with Rotala wallichii (to which it may belong). It grows vertically and produces many side shoots (especially when it is allowed to grow along the surface). The pruning of this species is easily accomplished through the cutting and replanting the shoot apexes or the removal of all of the apexes within a stand of plants. Propagation, which can be accomplished by simply snipping off a side shoot and replanting it, is easy.
Rotala sp. 'Vietnam' can be used in the mid- to background of any layout, especially in those aquascapes which depend heavily on the use of stem plants. This species can form an excellent contrast to both red and green colored plants.