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PlantmediumFreshwater

Rotala Rotundifolia Blood Red

Rotala rotundifolia Blood Red

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Myrtales›Lythraceae

Grown by 1 member in 1 tank

Rotala Rotundifolia Blood Red is a vibrant stem plant prized for its striking deep red to burgundy coloration, especially under high light conditions. The plant features small, rounded leaves arranged in opposite pairs along slender stems, creating an elegant, bushy appearance. It is a fast-growing plant that responds well to fertilization and CO2 supplementation, making it ideal for aquascapers seeking dramatic color contrast in midground to background plantings.

Where it's from

Native to Assam, Bangladesh, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, Hainan and 10 more

Recorded as introduced in Alabama, Brazil Southeast, Florida and Queensland

At a glance

CO₂
recommended
Growth
Fast
Placement
background
Temp
72–82°F
22–28°C
pH
6.0-7.5
GH
36–143 ppm
2–8 dGH

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

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Common diseases 4Melt / Transition Shock, Iron Deficiency (Chlorosis), Algae Overgrowth on Leaves, Nutrient Deficiency (Macronutrients)

Melt / Transition Shock

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; stems weaken and collapse

Treatment

Ensure stable water parameters, maintain consistent lighting and CO2 levels, increase water change frequency, trim affected portions and allow new growth to emerge

Iron Deficiency (Chlorosis)

Symptoms

Yellowing of new leaves while veins remain green; stunted growth and pale coloration

Treatment

Dose liquid iron fertilizer (chelated iron) 2-3 times weekly; increase macronutrient fertilization; verify adequate lighting and CO2

Algae Overgrowth on Leaves

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating leaf surfaces; reduced photosynthesis and plant vigor

Treatment

Reduce lighting duration to 8-10 hours daily, increase water circulation, perform manual removal, add algae-eating fauna (Amano shrimp, Otocinclus), maintain nutrient balance

Nutrient Deficiency (Macronutrients)

Symptoms

Slow growth, pale or yellowing leaves, weak stems, loss of red coloration

Treatment

Dose comprehensive fertilizer containing NPK and trace elements; increase water change frequency; ensure adequate substrate nutrients; verify CO2 and lighting are sufficient

Legality

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) (CC BY 4.0).

Keepers’ experiences

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