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Rotala Blood Red
Rotala sp.
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Lythraceae
Variety of Rotala · Blood Red
📍 Southeast Asia (exact origin unclear)
One of the most intensely coloured Rotala varieties available, producing deep blood-red to crimson stems and leaves that stand out dramatically in any scape. Requires the highest light levels and CO₂ of any commonly kept Rotala, along with careful nutrient management. Under suboptimal conditions the colour fades to dull orange or pink. Grown well, it creates an arresting, almost unreal red that elevates competition-level scapes.
Tank Mates
Shrimp graze on algae without damaging healthy plant tissue and thrive in soft, acidic water matching this plant's requirements.
Small, peaceful algae-eaters that won't uproot or damage stems; prefer soft water and low bioload.
Tiny, gentle fish that add movement without disturbing the plant; thrive in acidic, soft water conditions.
Complementary foreground plant that shares identical water parameter requirements and creates a cohesive scape.
Low-light companion plant with similar nutrient demands; pairs well in high-tech setups for visual contrast.
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that prefers soft, acidic water; will not uproot or consume healthy plant tissue.
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrients)
Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of red coloration, interveinal chlorosis.
Increase fertilizer dosing with comprehensive all-in-one or separate macro/micro supplements. Ensure CO₂ levels are adequate (30–40 ppm). Test water parameters and adjust pH if drifting above 6.8.
Algae Overgrowth (Green/Black Beard Algae)
Visible algae coating stems and leaves, reduced light penetration, plant vigor decline.
Increase water change frequency to 50% weekly. Reduce photoperiod to 8–10 hours. Add algae-eating shrimp (Red Cherry Shrimp) or otocinclus. Manually remove affected leaves. Ensure CO₂ and nutrient balance are optimized.
Melting (Tissue Breakdown)
Leaves become translucent, mushy, or disintegrate; stems weaken and collapse.
Often caused by sudden parameter changes or poor water quality. Perform 30% water change, check CO₂ levels, and ensure temperature stability (20–26 °C). Trim affected portions and improve overall tank conditions. May recover if root system remains healthy.
Poor Coloration (Fading to Orange/Pink)
Red pigmentation fades to dull orange or pink despite adequate growth.
Increase light intensity to 60+ PAR or extend photoperiod to 10–12 hours. Boost CO₂ to 30–40 ppm. Verify nutrient levels, especially phosphorus and potassium. Ensure water parameters remain soft and acidic (pH 5.0–6.8, 0–6 dGH).
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Varieties
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Required (high concentration)
- light
- Very high
- max size
- 20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall
- placement
- Background accent
- substrate
- Nutrient-rich aquasoil
- growth rate
- Medium to fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.0–6.8
- notes
- Most demanding Rotala for colour. Colour fades quickly without very high light and CO₂. Soft, acidic water produces best results.
- hardness
- 0–6 dGH
- temperature
- 154–174°F (68–79°C)