Here is all about Rotala sp. "Hi Red" — a stunning, eye-catching stem plant prized in aquascaping for its vivid red to pink coloration and compact growth form under high-tech conditions.

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🌿 Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Rotala sp. "Hi Red"

• Common Names: Rotala Hi Red, Rotala Red Compact

• Family: Lythraceae

• Origin: Believed to be a cultivated or selected variant of Rotala rotundifolia, not found in the wild

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🌱 General Appearance

• Stem: Thin, upright, often branching with trimming

• Leaves: Narrow, elliptical or slightly rounded, opposite pairs

• Color: Greenish in low-tech setups, but brilliant pink to deep red under strong light and CO₂

• Height: 15 – 40 cm (6 – 16 inches)

• Width/Spread: ~2 – 5 cm per stem (best in dense bunches)

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💧 Ideal Tank Conditions

Parameter	Optimal Range
Temperature	22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH	5.5–7.0
Hardness	Soft to moderately hard (2–10 dGH)
Lighting	High intensity required for red color
CO₂	Strongly recommended
Substrate	Nutrient-rich (soil, aquasoil, or root tabs)

💡 Note: Color and compactness are directly influenced by lighting and CO₂. In low-tech tanks, it stays greener and taller.

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🌾 Growth & Propagation

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast under ideal conditions

• Propagation: Top cuttings — simply snip and replant

• Trimming Habit: Regular pruning promotes lateral growth and bushier look

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🌟 Aquascaping Use

• Best as a midground or background accent plant

• Perfect for Dutch-style tanks or nature aquascapes needing color contrast

• Creates stunning color gradients when paired with greens or yellow-toned plants

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🧠 Care Tips

• Needs very strong, full-spectrum lighting to bring out deep red tones

• Ensure consistent CO₂ injection (~20–30 ppm)

• Dose micronutrients, especially iron, for vibrant coloration

• Avoid shading — position in an open, well-lit area

• Trim frequently for shape and prevent legginess

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⚠️ Potential Issues

• May turn pale or green without enough light or nutrients

• Melting or stunting occurs in fluctuating CO₂/light conditions

• Sensitive to major water changes or replanting stress

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🐠 Compatibility

• Excellent in peaceful community tanks

• Shrimp-safe

• Avoid with rough or uprooting fish (like large cichlids or goldfish)

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📌 Summary

Feature	Details
Color	Pink to deep red (under strong light & CO₂)
Growth Type	Upright stem, bushy with trimming
Position	Midground to background
Light Needs	High
CO₂ Needs	Strongly recommended
Difficulty	Medium to Advanced

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