Plant Profiles

Rotala tripartita

Live freshwater plant Rotala tripartita - Spike-leaf Rotala for fish tanks and aquariums Large bunch or portion of aquatic plant Rotala tripartita - Spike-leaf Rotala. Aquarium plant with fast delivery across Australia.
Rotala tripartita
Spike-leaf Rotala
$13.95

Rotala tripartita, the Spike-leaf Rotala, is a unique and rare aquarium plant endemic to Australia. Unlike more common species in the Rotala family, this native plant features spiky, triangular leaves that give it a distinct texture, reminiscent of Gratiola viscidula. Its chunky stems are similar in thickness to those of Rotala indica, and create and interesting appearance with the plant’s rigid and upright growth habit.

The leaves of Rotala tripartita point upwards and only grow to a modest length of around 1.5 cm, making it an excellent choice for aquarists looking to introduce an intriguing yet understated element to their tanks. Both the stems and leaves of this plant remain green, providing a vibrant, natural look in aquascapes. Its compact size and upright growth make it a good fit for midground placements, especially where you want to highlight structured greenery.

Like many other Rotala species, Rotala tripartita is a relatively challenging plant to care for. It thrives best under bright lighting conditions and requires stable water parameters, including good nutrient levels. While it can tolerate a range of water conditions, this plant will reward you with better growth and colouration if provided with softer water and added CO2. Its ability to tolerate cooler temperatures than many other Rotala species, much like Rotala rotundifolia, makes it an adaptable choice for those keeping temperate aquariums.

This rare and unusual native stem plant is ideal for aquarists who are looking for something different to add texture and structure to their aquascapes. Its spiky leaves and rigid stems stand out, making it a perfect addition for creating diverse, layered aquascaping designs.

Requirements and information

Temperature:
TropicalWarmCold

Substrate type:
CoarseFine

Substrate nutrients:

Medium

Water nutrients:

Medium

Light demand:

High

CO2:

High

Height:

Medium

Growth rate:

Moderate

Growth habit:

Stem

Difficulty:

Advanced

Native to: