Rotala "Vietnam H'ra" (Rotala rotundifolia)

Rotala "Vietnam H'ra" (Rotala rotundifolia "H'ra") is one of the easiest red stem plants you can grow. Unlike most red plants, it shows off fiery pink, orange, and red tones even in medium light without CO2 — and turns positively electric under strong light with carbon supplementation. Originally collected in the Gia Lai province of Vietnam and named for the local H'ra people, this fast-growing background plant is a favorite of beginner and intermediate aquascapers alike.

Building a planted layout? Browse the rest of our live freshwater aquarium plants to layer texture and color across your aquascape.

Care Guide

• Lighting: Medium to high. More light = more intense red and tighter, bushier growth. It stays colorful in medium light, so it's forgiving for newer planted tanks.
• CO2: Optional but recommended. Not required for color, but injected CO2 (aim for ~30 ppm) produces the deepest reds and fastest growth. No pressurized setup? A liquid carbon supplement helps.
• Substrate & ferts: Roots heavily — a nutrient-rich planted substrate plus a regular column dose of macro and micro (iron-rich) fertilizers drives the best color.
• Trimming: Fast grower. Trim the tops and replant the cuttings to create a dense, bushy stand. Regular trimming keeps it from shading out the plants below.
• Placement: Background to midground. Plant stems 1–2 inches apart in small groups for a full, hedge-like look.

Specifications

Tank Companions

Rotala H'ra is completely peaceful and pairs beautifully with most community livestock. It's shrimp-safe and a great backdrop for color. Good companions include:

• Neocaridina dwarf shrimp — graze biofilm and pop against the red foliage
• Neon tetras and other small schooling fish
• Corydoras catfish for the substrate
• Nerite snails for algae control

Avoid large, boisterous fish (goldfish, big cichlids) that uproot or eat soft stem plants.

Recommended Plant Care & Supplies

• Aquaforest AF Micro — iron & trace dosing for vivid reds
• Aquaforest AF Macro — NPK column fertilizer for fast growth
• Aquaforest AF Carbon Boost — liquid carbon for tanks without pressurized CO2
• CaribSea PyroFlora Volcanic Substrate — mineral-rich planted-tank soil
• IceCap Carbon Fiber Tweezers — for clean, deep planting of stems

Want more pairings? Pair Rotala with other stems like Hygrophila Pinnatifida, accent it with Bucephalandra and Christmas Moss, or float Red Root Floaters above. Browse all plant additives & supplements.

FAQ

Do I need CO2 to grow Rotala Vietnam H'ra?
No. It's one of the few red stem plants that stays colorful in medium light without CO2. Adding CO2 simply produces deeper, more intense reds and faster growth.

How do I make it redder?
More light, plus iron-rich micro fertilizer and a lean nitrogen balance. Strong lighting with CO2 gives the most dramatic color.

How is it sold?
As a healthy portion of live stems ready to trim and plant. Quantity may vary slightly with each portion.

Is it safe with shrimp?
Yes — completely shrimp-safe and a great backdrop for a Neocaridina colony.