Rotala indica bonsai or Bacopa caroliniana 

Rotala indica bonsai or Rotala rotundifolia or very often compared to Bacopa caroliniana is a very popular aquarium plant, which not only finds its place in the nano aquarium, but also in the larger community aquariums. In today's profile, we not only show pictures, but also how to best care for the plant and what needs to be considered. The Rotala bonsai in particular is a very beautiful foreground plant for the freshwater aquarium. You can find out here what requirements it places on light, fertilization and growth.

Origin of the Rotala bonsai

We have also planted this plant in our aquariums and are very satisfied with it. This plant originally comes from the tropics. As the Latin name of the Rotala indica bonsai suggests, it mainly comes from India. It belongs to the plantain family, which has many subspecies. It is often compared to the so-called fat leaf, which can also be true. In the bonsai version, which has been specially bred, the main thing is to limit the height of the plant.

In the original form, which is very often found in swampy regions, flowers can occur. In the aquarium, however, this is impossible.

Ultimately, there are still different names for the plant today, because in addition to the original name of Rotala indica, there is also the name of Rotala rotundifolia, which primarily describes the reddish character.

Appearance of the Rotala bonsai

This is a stem plant, which is often shown to its best advantage in a group. If the plant has enough light, the new shoots can even turn reddish. Depending on the nutrients, the leaves become larger or smaller. If there are too few nutrients, the plant tends to grow in width.

The special shape of the Rotala bonsai limits growth in height. The Rotala rotundifolia can reach heights of up to 80 cm. This is limited to the bonsai version, where 15 cm can already be grown in 30 days. Always assuming the fertilization is right.

In terms of appearance, the plant can be described as small-leaved. The basic structure is described as a stem plant. As always, pictures say more than a thousand words.

Requirements of Rotala Bonsai

Now we come to the requirements in the aquarium. One can speak of a fairly simple attitude when using the Rotala bonsai. We would describe the need for light as medium and also the need for CO2. But you should make sure that you bring additional Co2 into the aquarium.

The growth of the plant is rather slow and it certainly cannot be described as an algae killer, where the fast-growing plants are particularly important. The Rotala bonsai is planted in small groups. You can also generate them here again and again by placing them back in order to condense the groups.

With good fertilization, the groups become very compact and dense. If there are too few nutrients, the leaves usually get larger and the tips of the leaves and the stems do not take on a reddish color.

The Rotala Bonsai is particularly suitable for smaller aquariums.

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