Pink Baby’s Tears (Rotala rotundifolia): Aquatic Gardening Guide

Rotala rotundifolia, widely known as Pink Baby’s Tears, is a beloved freshwater aquarium plant originating from Southeast Asia. It’s vibrant colours and easy-to-maintain nature make it a popular choice for aquarists looking to add a splash of pink and green to their underwater landscapes.

Origin and Habitat

Native to the rice paddies and waterways of Southeast Asia, Pink Baby’s Tears thrives in both submerged and emergent conditions, showcasing its versatility and resilience across various environments.

Growth Characteristics

Growth Rate

This plant exhibits a slow to moderate growth rate, depending on the availability of light and nutrients. It can create lush, dense backgrounds or mid-ground accents in the aquarium in optimal conditions.

Lighting Requirements

Rotala rotundifolia prefers moderate lighting for its best colouration and growth. Higher light levels will enhance the pink to red hues of the leaves, adding a striking contrast against the green commonly seen in planted tanks.

Water Conditions

Adaptable to a wide range of water conditions, Pink Baby’s Tears does well in temperatures between 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F) and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. While it can tolerate various water hardness levels, softer water tends to promote more vibrant growth.

Care and Maintenance

Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents the lower portions from becoming shaded and losing leaves. Clippings from pruning can be replanted in the substrate to propagate new growth, making it an ideal plant for aquascaping projects.

Fertilisation and CO2 Supplementation

For optimal growth and colouration, supplementing with CO2 and regular dosing of liquid fertilisers rich in micronutrients is beneficial. This will not only boost the growth rate but also enhance the intensity of the colours in the leaves.

Propagation

Propagation of Pink Baby’s Tears is straightforward; simply cut the top portion of a stem and replant it in the substrate. The plant readily roots from the cut stem, making it easy to spread across the aquarium.

Utilising Pink Baby’s Tears in Aquascaping

Rotala rotundifolia’s delicate texture and vibrant colours make it an excellent choice for adding depth and contrast to aquascapes. It can be used as a background plant to create a dense, colourful backdrop or trimmed to form a mid-ground bush, offering versatility in design options.

In conclusion, Pink Baby’s Tears (Rotala rotundifolia) is a stunning and rewarding plant for any freshwater aquarium enthusiast. With proper care, lighting, and nutrients, it can transform any aquatic garden into a vibrant, lush underwater landscape.