Troubleshooting
Rotala 'H'ra' problems — and how to fix them
Rotala 'H'ra' (Rotala 'H'ra') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Green instead of pink/red tops
Colour demands high light and lean nitrate. Increase PAR and trim down to encourage bright new tops; reduce nitrate if it runs high.
Leggy, sparse growth
Low light or low CO2 stretches the stems. Raise light and CO2 for the dense, compact form.
Tip stunting
Micronutrient shortfall or CO2 instability deforms new growth. Stabilise CO2 and dose trace elements including iron and magnesium.
Algae on slower tanks
Imbalanced light-to-CO2 ratios invite algae on the fine leaves. Improve flow and balance light to CO2 with steady nutrients.
Prevent rotala 'h'ra' problems before they start
Most rotala 'h'ra' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for rotala 'h'ra' in general rather than its problems? Read the full rotala 'h'ra' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Rotala 'H'ra' problems — FAQ
Why is my rotala 'h'ra' green instead of pink/red tops?
Colour demands high light and lean nitrate. Increase PAR and trim down to encourage bright new tops; reduce nitrate if it runs high.
Why is my rotala 'h'ra' leggy, sparse growth?
Low light or low CO2 stretches the stems. Raise light and CO2 for the dense, compact form.
Why is my rotala 'h'ra' tip stunting?
Micronutrient shortfall or CO2 instability deforms new growth. Stabilise CO2 and dose trace elements including iron and magnesium.
Why is my rotala 'h'ra' algae on slower tanks?
Imbalanced light-to-CO2 ratios invite algae on the fine leaves. Improve flow and balance light to CO2 with steady nutrients.