Scientific Name: Rotala sp. 'Bonsai' (often sold as Ammania sp. 'Bonsai')
Common Name: Rotala Bonsai, Ammania Bonsai
Origin: Cultivated aquarium variety
Growth Rate: Slow
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 2–10 dGH
KH: 0–6 dKH
Moderate to high lighting is recommended.
High light promotes compact growth and enhances the plant's attractive green to bronze coloration.
Under low light conditions, stems may elongate and lose their characteristic compact appearance.
CO₂ supplementation is highly beneficial.
Encourages dense growth, shorter internodes, and improved overall health.
While it can survive without CO₂, growth is significantly slower and less compact.
Requires regular supplementation of macro and micronutrients.
Adequate nitrate, phosphate, potassium, and trace elements support healthy growth.
Iron supplementation may enhance bronze and reddish tones under high light.
Consistent fertilization helps maintain dense foliage and strong stems.
Best suited for the foreground to midground.
Commonly used as a miniature hedge or accent plant.
Ideal for creating structured layouts and bonsai-like effects in aquascapes.
Easily propagated through stem cuttings.
Cut healthy tops and replant them into the substrate.
Trimmed stems develop side shoots, creating denser growth over time.
Frequent trimming helps maintain the compact, bonsai-like appearance.
Plant stems closely together to form dense bushes.
Stable CO₂ and nutrient levels promote healthier and more compact growth.
Avoid excessive shading from taller plants.
Rotala sp. 'Bonsai' is a highly popular compact stem plant valued for its small rounded leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Its miniature appearance makes it ideal for creating hedges, miniature shrubs, and detailed foreground-to-midground layouts. With strong lighting, stable CO₂ supplementation, and regular trimming, it forms attractive, bonsai-like bushes that add structure, depth, and refinement to Nature, Dutch, and high-tech planted aquariums.
