Plant comparison
Ammannia Gracilis vs Rotala Rotundifolia
How the Ammannia Gracilis and Rotala Rotundifolia compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Ammannia Gracilis vs Rotala Rotundifolia
The Ammannia Gracilis and the Rotala Rotundifolia come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Rotala Rotundifolia is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Ammannia Gracilis rewards a bit more attention. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Rotala Rotundifolia is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Ammannia Gracilis22–28 °C
- Rotala Rotundifolia22–28 °C
pH
- Ammannia Gracilis5.5–7.5
- Rotala Rotundifolia5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Ammannia Gracilis2–15 dGH
- Rotala Rotundifolia2–12 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantAmmannia GracilisAmmannia gracilis |  PlantRotala RotundifoliaRotala rotundifolia |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | West Africa, Senegal to Cameroon | Southeast Asia |
| Family | Lythraceae | Lythraceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 2–12 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 30–60 cm | 30–60 cm |
| Difficulty | 3 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | High | Low to High |
| CO₂ | Required | Optional to Recommended |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Ammannia Gracilis and Rotala Rotundifolia together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Ammannia Gracilis or the Rotala Rotundifolia?
The Rotala Rotundifolia is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Ammannia Gracilis leans middle-of-the-road.
Do Ammannia Gracilis and Rotala Rotundifolia need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Ammannia Gracilis and the Rotala Rotundifolia?
Placement and light. The Ammannia Gracilis works as background, the Rotala Rotundifolia as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.