Ottelia ovalifolia thrives in consistently moist or submerged conditions. Maintain the substrate fully saturated or submerge the plant in shallow, still water, ideally around 5-10 cm deep.

Avoid letting the soil dry out, as this will stress the plant. Regular topping up or water changes are essential to keep it healthy.

Pruning is generally not required for Ottelia ovalifolia unless leaves become damaged or overcrowded. Remove any yellowing or decaying leaves to maintain plant health and aesthetics.

This can be done with clean scissors or by gently pulling out the affected leaves.

Ottelia ovalifolia propagates readily through seeds or basal offsets. Seeds can be sown in moist substrate and kept submerged.

Offsets, which form at the base of the parent plant, can be carefully separated and replanted into suitable substrate, allowing them to establish their own roots.

Repotting is rarely necessary for Ottelia ovalifolia as it is typically grown submerged in a pond or water feature. If grown in a container, it may be beneficial to refresh the substrate annually with aquatic plant soil to replenish nutrients and ensure good drainage.