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how to Propagate rotala easily
Posted: Sat May 10, 2025 4:36 am
by maxi8
I've been trying to propagate Rotala in my 20-gallon tank but the stems keep melting. I'm using CO2 and high light, but the new cuttings just don't take. What am I missing?
Re: how to Propagate rotala easily
Posted: Sat May 10, 2025 5:16 am
by manal
Rotala can be tricky with cuttings. Are you trimming the stems at a 45-degree angle? Also, what's your nitrate level? They need at least 10 ppm to thrive. I've had success with ADA Aquasoil and weekly 50% water changes.
Re: how to Propagate rotala easily
Posted: Sat May 10, 2025 6:06 am
by Ridgely
Melting usually means unstable conditions. How long has your tank been running? If it's less than 3 months, the biome might not be mature enough. Try dipping the cuttings in Seachem Flourish before planting.
Re: how to Propagate rotala easily
Posted: Sat May 10, 2025 7:15 am
by Dectiva
Yo, I just chuck my Rotala trimmings into a bucket with some tank water and they root in like a week. No fancy stuff, just good ol' neglect. Works every time, lol.
Re: how to Propagate rotala easily
Posted: Sat May 10, 2025 8:44 am
by streamer
Dectiva wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 7:15 am
Yo, I just chuck my Rotala trimmings into a bucket with some tank water and they root in like a week. No fancy stuff, just good ol' neglect. Works every time, lol.
That's wild, man. I might try that. My tank's too pristine, maybe it's stressing them out.
Re: how to Propagate rotala easily
Posted: Sat May 10, 2025 9:06 am
by maxi8
Thanks for the tips, everyone. My tank's been up for 5 months, nitrates are around 15 ppm. I'll try the 45-degree cut and Flourish dip. Appreciate it!
Re: how to Propagate rotala easily
Posted: Sat May 10, 2025 10:14 am
by manal
Glad to help! Let us know how it goes. Also, check your light duration. Rotala needs about 8 hours, but too much can cause algae, which competes with the plants.
Re: how to Propagate rotala easily
Posted: Sat May 10, 2025 10:42 am
by Ridgely
If you're still having issues, consider lowering the CO2. Sometimes too much can shock the cuttings. Aim for 20-30 ppm, not the 40+ some folks push.
Re: how to Propagate rotala easily
Posted: Sat May 10, 2025 12:02 pm
by Dectiva
Seriously, though, the bucket method is foolproof. Just sayin'. My Rotala's so thick now I gotta trim it every other week. No CO2, no fancy lights, just vibes.
Re: how to Propagate rotala easily
Posted: Sat May 10, 2025 1:19 pm
by streamer
manal wrote: ↑Sat May 10, 2025 10:14 am
Glad to help! Let us know how it goes. Also, check your light duration. Rotala needs about 8 hours, but too much can cause algae, which competes with the plants.
Yeah, my light's on for 10 hours. Maybe that's why my Rotala's struggling. Gonna dial it back.