Rotala indica is a species of flowering plant in the loosestrife family known by the common name Indian toothcup. It is native to Southeast Asia. This aquatic plant is best known as a popular aquarium plant and as a weed of rice fields. It is known as an introduced species and a weed in rice-growing regions in Congo, Italy, and Portugal, and California and Louisiana in the United States.
Indian toothcup has strong resistance to disease and is typically not prone to illnesses. Still, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. Such infections are generally mild. Regarding care, this plant demands a moderate level of maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage blooming. Indian toothcup is well suited for anyone with outdoor areas like a garden or patio and does not need extensive experience in plant care. It may need additional attention when cultivated indoors.
How to keep Rotala Indica.
Light
The Indian toothcup thrives in areas where sunlight is not obstructed. For optimum health, the plant needs an abundance of direct sunlight. Inadequate light can result in poor growth and ill health, whereas excessive sunlight might result in the leaves being scorched.
Temperature
Indian toothcup is well adapted to temperature, able to withstand higher heat and larger temperature fluctuations. In hot weather, attention should be paid to watering and to providing suitable shade to prevent sunburn. Conversely, Indian toothcup is relatively sensitive to low temperatures; while it can tolerate some cold, excessively cold conditions may cause frost damage.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual, Perennial
- Genus
- Rotala
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Lime Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Laos, China, Uzbekistan, Russia, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Japan, Koppen, Bhutan, Iran, South Korea, Thailand
Other names.
