Here is all about Rotala 'Blood Red' — one of the most vibrant and eye-catching red stem plants in the aquarium hobby, highly favored for its intense crimson coloration, especially...
Here is all about Rotala 'Blood Red' — one of the most vibrant and eye-catching red stem plants in the aquarium hobby, highly favored for its intense crimson coloration, especially under high-tech conditions.
Scientific Name: Rotala rotundifolia ‘Blood Red’ (variant)
Common Name: Rotala Blood Red
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: Cultivar/variant (believed to be derived from Southeast Asia)
Type: Stem plant
Height: 15–40 cm (6–16 inches)
Width: 2–5 cm per stem
Leaf Shape: Narrow, elongated lanceolate leaves
Color: Greenish-pink in low-tech tanks; deep blood red in high-tech tanks with strong light and CO₂
Growth Pattern: Upright with slightly arching stems and dense leaf clusters when trimmed well
Parameter | Ideal Range |
---|---|
Temperature | 22–28°C (72–82°F) |
pH | 5.5–7.0 |
Hardness | Soft to moderate (GH < 8) |
Lighting | High intensity required for red coloration |
CO₂ | Strongly recommended |
Substrate | Nutrient-rich preferred (aqua soil) |
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Trimming: Regular topping encourages bushy growth
Propagation: By cutting stems and replanting the tops in the substrate
Spacing: Plant stems in groups with a few centimeters between to allow light penetration and bushy growth
Light: Use full-spectrum, high PAR lighting to bring out red pigmentation
CO₂: Essential for deep red color and healthy growth
Fertilizers: Keep nitrates on the lower side (5–10 ppm) while providing high iron and micronutrients
Consistency: Avoid fluctuations in CO₂, light, or water parameters to prevent color loss
Trim frequently to maintain dense, bushy growth
Remove lower leaves if they get shaded and melt
Avoid planting too deep; leave the crown above the substrate
Combine with green plants for a vibrant red-green contrast
Problem | Cause |
---|---|
Faded/pale red | Insufficient light or low iron |
Green leaves | High nitrate or low lighting |
Leggy stems | Poor trimming or low light penetration |
Melting bottoms | Overcrowding or poor water flow |
Ideal for peaceful community tanks
Great in shrimp tanks — shrimp enjoy climbing the stems
Avoid housing with large or plant-eating fish
Snail-safe (unless snails are starved or conditions are poor)
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Type | Stem plant |
Color | Green to deep blood red (with high light & CO₂) |
Placement | Midground or background |
Growth Rate | Moderate to fast |
Light Requirement | High |
CO₂ Requirement | Strongly recommended |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Among the deepest red aquatic plants available
Perfect for creating contrast in green-heavy tanks
Loved in Dutch-style aquascapes for strong color blocks
Responds dramatically to optimal conditions — rewarding to grow!
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