Rotala ‘Blood Red’ (Rotala sp.) – Stunning deep-red stem plant for aquascaping; thrives in bright light & CO₂-rich tanks.

Minimum: 3+ Stems (4-6 Inches)

Elevate your aquarium to museum-quality beauty with Rotala ‘Blood Red’, a stem plant revered for its vibrant, deep crimson foliage and delicate, bushy growth. This plant is a favorite among aquascapers for its ability to create dramatic midground or background color contrast, providing a fiery splash that instantly draws the eye. Every leaf carries a subtle glow under bright lighting, giving the impression of a living flame weaving through your underwater garden.

Originating from Southeast Asia, Rotala ‘Blood Red’ has been selectively cultivated for its vivid red coloration and compact growth habit. Unlike ordinary green Rotala, this variety develops rich scarlet hues when provided with sufficient light and nutrients. The fine, narrow leaves grow densely along slender stems, forming elegant clusters that move gently with water flow, adding dynamic texture to any layout. Its aesthetic appeal makes it ideal for both Dutch-style planted tanks and natural aquascapes that emphasize color layering and depth.

💧 Growing Conditions for Maximum Color and Health:

• Lighting: High-intensity lighting is essential to bring out the deep red tones. A minimum of 8–10 hours per day is ideal.

• CO₂: Strong CO₂ supplementation (20–30 ppm) ensures compact growth, deeper reds, and prevents stretching.

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich aquarium soil with root tabs for iron and microelements enhances pigmentation.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

• Water Flow: Moderate flow encourages bushy growth without uprooting plants.

🌱 Propagation & Care Tips:
Rotala ‘Blood Red’ is incredibly easy to propagate, simply trim healthy stem tops and replant them in the substrate. New shoots quickly root and expand, allowing you to grow lush red carpets or dense midground clusters. Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and prevents lower leaves from shading out, which helps maintain intense coloration. Fertilize with iron-rich supplements to enhance the crimson pigments, and consider adding a full spectrum liquid fertilizer to feed both roots and leaves.

🌸 Uses & Aquascaping Benefits:

• Creates a dramatic focal point in planted aquariums.

• Provides shelter and grazing spots for shrimp and fry.

• Enhances visual depth when combined with green foreground or mosses.

• Contributes to water quality by absorbing excess nitrates.

• Works in nano tanks and large aquascapes alike, offering versatile design options.

🌿 Design Inspiration:
Pair Rotala ‘Blood Red’ with bright greens like Monte Carlo, Hemianthus callitrichoides, or Glossostigma for striking contrast. It also complements darker substrates or driftwood, making reds appear even more vivid. In smaller aquariums, a few stems along the midground create a fiery backdrop, while in larger setups, a thick cluster produces dynamic color waves throughout the tank.

🪴 In the Box:

• Healthy portion of Rotala ‘Blood Red’ stems, ready for planting.

• Carefully cultivated to be safe for shrimp, snails, and tropical freshwater fish.

• Free from pesticides and contaminants, ideal for long-term growth.

✨ Why Rotala ‘Blood Red’?
Rotala ‘Blood Red’ is more than just a plant, it’s a statement. Its intense color, elegant form, and manageable growth habit make it indispensable for anyone who wants a show-stopping aquascape. With proper light, CO₂, and nutrients, it rewards you with a living masterpiece that evolves with your tank, providing endless inspiration and natural beauty.

Bring energy, color, and elegance to your aquarium with Rotala ‘Blood Red’, the ultimate stem plant for passionate aquascapers seeking dramatic, living art. 🌺💧