Kaiser Aquatics Rotala Rotundafolia 'Blood Red'

🌿 Rotala Rotundifolia ‘Blood Red’ Care Guide

🔍 Overview

• Common Name: Blood Red Rotala

• Scientific Name: Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red'

• Origin: Asia (cultivar of Rotala rotundifolia)

• Difficulty: Moderate to advanced

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

• Placement: Midground to background

• Light Requirements: High

• CO₂ Requirements: Required for best color and growth

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🌱 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 10 gallons and up

• Water Temperature: 70–82°F (21–28°C)

• pH: 5.5–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–10 dGH)

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💡 Lighting

• Needs high-intensity light to achieve its intense blood-red coloration.

• Under lower light, it will revert to a pink or greenish tone.

• Ensure consistent photoperiod (6–8 hours) to avoid algae.

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🧪 CO₂ & Fertilization

• CO₂ injection is essential to unlock the full red hues.

• Requires a balanced nutrient regimen:

  • Low nitrates and high phosphates often enhance red tones

  • Supplement iron for pigment intensity

• Performs best in nutrient-rich substrates or with root tabs and liquid ferts.

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✂️ Maintenance

• Trimming: Cut tops and replant to maintain dense, bushy form.

• Propagation: Easy — snip and replant stem cuttings.

• Space stems out for light penetration and avoid overcrowding.

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🌾 Growth Behavior

• Upright, narrow-leaved stem plant that forms dense clusters with proper trimming.

• Grows vertically but can become leggy if not trimmed regularly.

• Best used in color focal points, mid-to-background areas, or Dutch aquascapes.

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⚠️ Important Notes

• Sensitive to low CO₂ and poor lighting — will lose red color and become thin.

• Not beginner-friendly unless grown in a well-maintained, high-tech setup.

• Regular maintenance is key to keeping it compact and vibrant.