Description

This unique, rarely cultivated Rotala has also become known as “Ammania sp. from Sulawesi”. It apparently belongs to Rotala sunset ramosior, an annual species from wetlands from North to South America, which is also naturalised in Asia. Under water, Rotala ramosior “Sunset” forms straight, upright, sparsely branched stems.

Rotala ramosior “Sunset” has only a moderate growth rate. In our aquaria it has grown to a height of around 10 – 11 cm in one month. It is a demanding, light-loving plant; constant CO₂ and macro- and micronutrient supply are recommended. Also, fertilization via the substrate is helpful. Young plantlets from tissue culture should only be planted in well-cycled, well-running aquariums. As well as other stem plants, this Rotala can be propagated by cuttings. However, this has to be done carefully. Rotala ramosior “Sunset” does not well tolerate hard cutting, and its propagation rate is rather low. When the remaining stumps of the stems are too short, they often rather die instead of developing side shoots. It is best to let the plants grow untouched for some time, then terminal cuttings can be made further up. When the stumps are vital enough, they will grow some side shoots that can be used for propagation again. In this way, a group of the plants can be grown by selective, careful trimming and replanting of cuttings.