Rotala Indica

That doesnt really look like ludwigia, ludwigia has leaves that are more of a tear shape, these are round. If anything the lower leaves resemble Moneywort or some bacopa.

But im still going with the plant being Rotala just it was sold in emersed form.
Heres my rotala from a while back. Notice also the round leaves. Eventually the plant switched over to submerged form and gave out narrower leaves
1020311ly4.jpg
 
BK you were right about the round leaves being the emersed form. When it is in a marsh setting the leaves are green and round, but become pointed and pinkish submerged. Which makes sense, since it is a newly purchased plant.
 
Where I bought them, they keep their plants in shallow long tubs with a filtration system. They were submerged, but the water isn't that deep.
 
Where I bought them, they keep their plants in shallow long tubs with a filtration system. They were submerged, but the water isn't that deep.

most petstores get their plants from nurseries which grow their plants in emersed/semi-submerged form, most of the time in a green house type of environment. Reason they do that is to prevent any algae growth.
 
It's growing quickly. It will be at the top of the tank in no time.
 
It's growing quickly. It will be at the top of the tank in no time.

once it does, cut it at the point where the emersed changed to submerged. Throw away the bottom and replant the top.
And the trim following that leave the bottom since that will give you new stems and give the plant a bushy look.
 
:eek: I can see it now.

DSC01639.jpg
 
Just an update. It reached the top of the tank and I made clipped and weighted down the new. Here's a pick:

DSC01659.jpg
 
Rotalla is such a nice plant to work with. It's hearty and versatile. Pinching off seems to be the best method of trimming this plant. Using scissors creates a lot of floating debris. Using tweezers to plant the trimmings works well for me. If you watch this plant grow from week to week you will get a feel for how to trim it. I prune about 1/3 of the total number of rotalla in any area I prune. I prune the longest parts down to below where I want the average height to be. The reason for this is at any given time 1/3 will be below the average height, 1/3 will be at the average height and 1/3 will be taller. This mix makes the plant look more pleasing to the eye and less like you just mowed the lawn. This stuff can fill in thickly and if this happens it can choke out the light to the lower levels of the plant. You may find when pruning that you need to pull entire strands out. It's easy for this stuff to get out of control but when maintained properly adds a lot of beauty to an aquascape.

Q
 
AquariaCentral.com