🌿 Elite Pigmentation & Growth Performance
Unlike the standard Rotala rotundifolia, which often requires extreme nitrate limitation to show pink or orange tones, the 'Blood Red' variant retains its rich, deep crimson coloration even under standard nutrient levels. Under high-intensity LED lighting and stable CO2 injection, its leaf structure becomes incredibly compact, forming dense, fiery-red bushes that contrast beautifully against green companion plants.
As a fast-growing stem plant, it acts as a highly efficient biological filter by aggressively absorbing excess dissolved nutrients from the water column. This rapid consumption naturally starves out nuisance algae blooms while creating an expansive, safe foraging and sheltering environment for shrimp, fry, and delicate nano fish species.
🌡️ Botanical Specifications & Care Requirements
Parameter | Specification | Technical Notes |
Scientific Name | Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' | Authentic, high-grade color-selected cultivar |
Growth Form | Stem Plant / Background & Midground | Grows vertically; branches out profusely upon pruning |
Growth Rate | Fast | Rapid growth rate requires periodic trimming to maintain density |
CO2 Requirement | Medium to High (Highly Recommended) | CO2 injection unlocks the most dramatic, saturated red coloration |
Placement | Background / Midground | Ideal for dense background walls or vibrant midground bush formations |
🛠️ Lighting, Temperature & Maintenance Guide
Lighting Requirements: High (Full-Spectrum LED). To experience the true, blinding "Blood Red" genetic potential of this plant, high-intensity full-spectrum LED aquarium lighting is required. Provide a stable, uninterrupted photoperiod of 8 to 10 hours daily.
Temperature Parameters: Resilient and highly adaptable, maintaining peak cellular health within a tropical range of 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F). Keep parameters stable to promote continuous, unhindered growth.
Substrate & Fertilization: While it can absorb nutrients from the water column, it thrives best when anchored in a high-quality nutrient-rich aquasoil or supplemented with premium root tabs. Regular dosing of liquid iron and micronutrients is essential to keep the crimson leaves intensely saturated and prevent pale growth.
Propagation & Trimming: Propagation is extremely simple—snip the top 3-4 inches of a mature, robust stem with sharp aquascaping scissors and press the cutting directly into the substrate. Regular trimming of the top canopy stimulates the lower nodes to shoot out multiple branches, resulting in a much thicker, dramatic red bush.