Plant comparison
Rotala Rotundifolia vs Rotala Wallichii
How the Rotala Rotundifolia and Rotala Wallichii compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Rotala Rotundifolia vs Rotala Wallichii
The Rotala Rotundifolia and the Rotala Wallichii 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, 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 Rotala Wallichii 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.
1 note
Temperature
- Rotala Rotundifolia22–28 °C
- Rotala Wallichii22–28 °C
pH
- Rotala Rotundifolia5.5–7.5
- Rotala Wallichii5–7
Hardness
- Rotala Rotundifolia2–12 dGH
- Rotala Wallichii1–8 dGH
What to plan for
- Demanding species presentRotala Wallichii are difficulty 4+. Stable parameters and weekly maintenance are non-negotiable.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantRotala RotundifoliaRotala rotundifolia | PlantRotala WallichiiRotala wallichii |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia |
| Family | Lythraceae | Lythraceae |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.0–7.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–12 | 1–8 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Medium |
| Max height | 30–60 cm | 20–40 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Light | Low to High | High |
| CO₂ | Optional to Recommended | Required |
| Growth rate | Fast | Medium to Fast |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Rotala Rotundifolia and Rotala Wallichii together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7, 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 Rotundifolia or the Rotala Wallichii?
The Rotala Rotundifolia is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Rotala Wallichii leans demanding.
Do Rotala Rotundifolia and Rotala Wallichii need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7 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 Rotundifolia and the Rotala Wallichii?
Placement and light. The Rotala Rotundifolia works as midground or background, the Rotala Wallichii as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.