Rotala ramosior
Lowland Toothcup · Lowland rotala · Rotala · Toothcup
Description
Source: leafsnapRotala ramosior is a species of flowering plant in the loosestrife family known by the common name lowland rotala. This aquatic or semiaquatic plant is native to North America, where it grows in lakes, streams, and irrigation ditches. The branching stems of the plant grow to about 40 cm long. Leaves are decussate, arranged oppositely in perpendicular pairs along the stems. The leaves are linear to lance-shaped to oval and up to 5 cm long. Flowers occur singly in leaf axils. Each has triangular sepals with long, narrow appendages and usually four tiny white petals in shades of pink to white. This plant is sometimes grown in aquariums.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun
Lowland rotala comes from habitats with plentiful sunlight, such as the shallow margins of ponds and lakes. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.
🌡️ Temperature 15–37.8°C
Lowland rotala can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its range may still be restricted by different combinations of water and heat. It does best in warm summer conditions with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high heat can increase the chance of Lowland rotala dying. In winter, proper protection from the cold can raise the plant’s survival rate.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
Lowland rotala features slender stems and delicate leaves. To encourage bushier growth, improve air circulation, and enhance light penetration, prune it from early to late spring. Do this by pinching back the stems and removing any dead parts. Be sure to sterilize your tools before use to prevent the spread of disease.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Rotala
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 7-11
- Mature Height
- 10 cm to 40 cm
- Mature Spread
- 5 cm to 15 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Light Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Purple, Pink
- Flower Size
- 0.20 cm to 0.25 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Panama, Jamaica, Colombia, Cuba, Bolivia, Venezuela, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Costa Rica