Plant comparison
Rotala 'H'ra' vs Rotala Rotundifolia
How the Rotala 'H'ra' and Rotala Rotundifolia compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Rotala 'H'ra' vs Rotala Rotundifolia
The Rotala 'H'ra' and the Rotala Rotundifolia are close cousins, both in the Rotala group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. 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
- Rotala 'H'ra'22–28 °C
- Rotala Rotundifolia22–28 °C
pH
- Rotala 'H'ra'5.5–7.5
- Rotala Rotundifolia5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Rotala 'H'ra'2–12 dGH
- Rotala Rotundifolia2–12 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantRotala 'H'ra'Rotala rotundifolia 'H'ra' |  PlantRotala RotundifoliaRotala rotundifolia |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Selectively bred cultivar (Vietnam origin) | Southeast Asia |
| Family | Lythraceae | Lythraceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–12 | 2–12 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 20–50 cm | 30–60 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Medium to High | Low to High |
| CO₂ | Recommended | Optional to Recommended |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Rotala 'H'ra' 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 Rotala 'H'ra' or the Rotala Rotundifolia?
They sit at the same care level, both beginner-friendly, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Rotala 'H'ra' 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 Rotala 'H'ra' and the Rotala Rotundifolia?
Placement and light. The Rotala 'H'ra' works as midground or background, the Rotala Rotundifolia as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.