Rotala Vietnam H'ra Care Guide: How to Grow Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' in Your Aquarium

Rotala Vietnam H’ra (Rotala rotundifolia ‘H’ra’) — Complete Aquarium Care Guide

Rotala Vietnam H’ra (Rotala rotundifolia ‘H’ra’) is one of the most sought-after stem plants in the competitive aquascaping world. A variant of the classic Rotala rotundifolia collected from Vietnam, H’ra is prized for its exceptionally vivid pink-to-deep-red coloration and its graceful, slightly curved stems that create a flowing, painterly effect in planted aquariums. Under high light with CO₂, it produces some of the most intense red tones of any stem plant available.

Shop our Rotala Vietnam H’ra (7–8 stems) at BioAcuatica — a premium aquascaping plant ready for your tank.

Plant Overview

• Scientific name: Rotala rotundifolia ‘H’ra’
• Common names: Rotala Vietnam H’ra, H’ra Rotala
• Family: Lythraceae
• Origin: Vietnam
• Plant type: Stem plant
• Placement: Midground to background
• Growth rate: Moderate to fast
• Maximum height: 12–20 inches (30–50 cm)
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Lighting Requirements

Lighting is the primary driver of H’ra’s spectacular coloration:

• Low light: Leaves remain green to light pink; plant survives but loses its signature color
• Medium light: Pink to light red coloration develops
• High light: Deep, vivid red-pink coloration throughout the stem — the most visually stunning result

Provide 8–10 hours of high-intensity full-spectrum light daily. H’ra responds more dramatically to light intensity than most Rotala variants, making it a standout choice for high-tech setups.

CO₂ & Fertilization

• CO₂: Strongly recommended. CO₂ injection at 20–30 ppm dramatically improves growth rate, stem density, and color intensity. Without CO₂, growth is slow and color is muted.
• Macronutrients: Dose nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium regularly. A balanced all-in-one liquid fertilizer works well.
• Iron & micronutrients: Iron supplementation is critical for red coloration. Dose iron-rich fertilizer 2–3x per week.
• Potassium: Higher potassium levels can enhance red pigmentation — consider a dedicated potassium supplement.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
• pH: 5.5–7.0 (soft, acidic water produces the best color)
• Hardness: 2–12 dGH (soft water preferred)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: 10–20 ppm

Soft, slightly acidic water similar to its Vietnamese origin produces the most intense coloration. RO water blended with tap water is ideal for achieving optimal parameters.

Planting & Placement

• Remove the rubber band and separate individual stems
• Strip the bottom 1–2 inches of leaves
• Plant stems 0.5–1 inch apart for a dense, lush appearance
• Use a nutrient-rich substrate (ADA Aqua Soil or similar) for best results
• Plant in groups in the midground or background for maximum visual impact
• Position near the light source — the tops of the stems will develop the most intense color
• Planting in a slight curve or arc creates a natural, flowing aquascape effect

Growth Rate & Trimming

Under high light with CO₂, H’ra grows at a moderate to fast pace:

• Trim regularly to maintain shape and prevent the plant from reaching the surface
• Cut just above a leaf node — the trimmed top can be replanted as a new cutting
• The lower stem will produce multiple side shoots after trimming, creating a bushier appearance
• The “cut and replant” method is the key to achieving the dense, layered look seen in competition aquascapes
• Remove yellowing or damaged leaves promptly

Propagation

1. Cut a healthy stem section with at least 4–6 leaves (3–4 inches minimum)
2. Remove leaves from the bottom 1–2 inches
3. Plant the cutting directly into the substrate
4. New roots develop within 1–2 weeks
5. The parent stem will produce new side shoots from the cut point, doubling your plant mass over time

Common Issues & Solutions

• Green or pale leaves (no red color): Insufficient light or iron deficiency. Increase light intensity and add iron-rich fertilizer.
• Leaf melt after planting: Normal transition from emersed to submersed growth. New adapted leaves will emerge within 2–3 weeks — do not remove the stem.
• Slow or stunted growth: Usually caused by insufficient CO₂ or nutrient deficiency. Add CO₂ injection and increase fertilization.
• Leggy growth (large gaps between leaves): Caused by insufficient light. Increase light intensity or reduce the distance between the light and the plant.
• Algae on leaves: Balance nutrients, ensure adequate CO₂, and check photoperiod length.

Compatible Tankmates

Rotala H’ra is best suited for high-tech planted tanks with peaceful, plant-safe fish:

• Small tetras (Cardinal, Neon, Ember, Rummy Nose)
• Rasboras (Chili, Harlequin, Lambchop)
• Corydoras and Otocinclus
• Dwarf shrimp (Neocaridina, Caridina) — excellent algae cleaners that won’t harm the plant
• Small peaceful gouramis

Avoid large herbivorous fish, goldfish, Silver Dollars, and large cichlids — they will eat or uproot it.

Ready to Add Rotala Vietnam H’ra to Your Tank?

Rotala Vietnam H’ra is a premium aquascaping plant that rewards the effort with some of the most breathtaking red coloration available in the hobby. BioAcuatica ships healthy, conditioned stems ready to plant:

• Rotala Vietnam H’ra — 7 to 8 stems (Rotala rotundifolia ‘H’ra’)

Questions about CO₂ systems, fertilization, or aquascaping with this plant? Contact us before ordering — we love helping hobbyists create stunning planted tanks.