Rotala Blood Red Care Guide

Common Name: Rotala Blood Red
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Family: Lythraceae

General Description:

Rotala Blood Red is a striking stem plant known for its deep crimson to blood-red coloration under optimal conditions. It is a cultivated Rotala variety prized by aquascapers for its intense color contrast and fine-leaved structure. When grown with strong lighting and good nutrients, it becomes a bold focal point in the midground or background of planted aquariums.

Care Requirements:

1. Tank Size:

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters)

2. Lighting Requirements:

Lighting: Moderate to High

High lighting is essential to achieve and maintain the deep red coloration. Under lower light, the plant will appear more orange or green.

3. CO₂ Requirements:

CO₂: Recommended

Can survive without CO₂, but consistent CO₂ greatly improves coloration, growth speed, and stem density.

4. Water Parameters:

Temperature: 20–28°C (68–82°F)
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

5. Substrate:

Substrate Type: Nutrient-rich preferred

While it absorbs nutrients from the water column, a fertile substrate helps support faster growth and healthier lower stems.

6. Fertilization:

Nutrients: Moderate to High

Requires consistent macro and micronutrients. Adequate iron is especially important to sustain intense red coloration.

7. Maintenance:

Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

Regular trimming is necessary to encourage bushy growth and prevent shading of lower leaves.

8. Propagation:

Propagation Method: Stem cuttings

Cut healthy tops and replant them directly into the substrate; they will root quickly.

9. Placement in Tank:

Placement: Midground to Background

Best used as a colorful accent plant or grouped to form dense red bushes.

Summary:

Rotala Blood Red is an excellent choice for aquascapers looking to add dramatic red tones to their layouts. With strong lighting, stable CO₂, and proper fertilization, it delivers rich coloration and elegant structure. Ideal for high-impact planted aquariums.