{"product_id":"rotala-blood-red","title":"Rotala Blood Red","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Rotala Blood Red\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRotala Blood Red is one of the most spectacular red stem plants available for planted aquariums, prized for its intense crimson to deep scarlet foliage. A premium cultivar of \u003cem\u003eRotala rotundifolia\u003c\/em\u003e, this variety is renowned for developing brilliant red leaves even under moderate conditions, while high lighting and CO₂ injection produce an extraordinary blood-red appearance that makes it a true centrepiece in any aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts slender stems and fine leaves create a soft, flowing texture that contrasts beautifully with broader-leaved plants and lush green carpets. When planted in groups, Rotala Blood Red forms dense, colourful bushes that add depth, movement, and vibrant colour to Dutch-style aquascapes, Nature Aquariums, and high-end planted layouts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRotala Blood Red thrives in nutrient-rich aquariums with moderate to high lighting. Although it can grow without CO₂ injection, supplemental CO₂, regular fertilisation, and stable water parameters dramatically improve growth rate, leaf density, and colour intensity. Frequent trimming encourages side shoots, resulting in thick, compact bushes ideal for aquascaping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts fast growth also makes it an excellent nutrient absorber, helping reduce excess nitrates and improve overall aquarium stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElegant, colourful, and highly rewarding, Rotala Blood Red is one of the finest red stem plants for freshwater aquascapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRotala rotundifolia\u003c\/em\u003e 'Blood Red'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRotala Blood Red\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCultivated variety originating from Southeast Asia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStem Plant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFast\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLighting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to High (High lighting for maximum red colour)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCO₂ Required\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5.5–7.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1–10 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlacement\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMidground to Background\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNature aquariums, Dutch aquascapes, high-tech planted aquariums, and freshwater community tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Rotala Blood Red require CO₂?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It can grow without CO₂, but supplementation significantly improves growth, leaf density, and the rich blood-red colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy isn't my Rotala Blood Red turning red?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong lighting, stable CO₂, and adequate nutrients—particularly iron and trace elements—are essential for developing its intense crimson colour. Lower light often results in orange or greenish foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I propagate Rotala Blood Red?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrim healthy stems and replant the cuttings into the substrate. New roots will quickly form from the stem nodes, allowing the plant to spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Rotala Blood Red suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, but it performs best in well-maintained planted aquariums. Beginners can grow it successfully, although achieving its brightest colours requires higher lighting and good nutrient management.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow often should I trim Rotala Blood Red?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular trimming every few weeks encourages dense, bushy growth and prevents the lower stems from becoming shaded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eInsufficient lighting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLow light results in green or pale orange leaves and leggy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor nutrient availability\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a fast-growing stem plant, Rotala Blood Red benefits from regular dosing of macronutrients, micronutrients, and iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eInconsistent CO₂\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFluctuating CO₂ levels can stunt growth and increase the risk of algae developing on the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlanting stems too closely\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeave small gaps between stems to improve water circulation and allow light to reach the lower leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNeglecting regular trimming\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithout pruning, the lower portions of the plant may become shaded, causing leaf loss and reducing its attractive bushy appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48856341217419,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/Y5aN-4191CshcItMwRNdYzN96oR-0MBHl_csq9Un1XPcSityuBze-1B4zW7MsyRTIj8I8rtc2c3puG7JsQNgHpW2lH_YWFYWOtoRrx-688QllVNhc06rKrFPugPiV3spuEHQl_hcW2-ugn6DLmybRNNwuTwZvX5dXx-vYjfaOt2irPL1n6NEOQt.jpg?v=1786099483","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/rotala-blood-red","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}