Greetings, fellow aquarists! Today, I want to introduce you to a stunning aquatic plant that will surely enhance the beauty of your aquarium – Rotala Blood Red. With its vibrant red colouration and graceful appearance, this plant is the perfect choice for creating a captivating blood-red aquatic display.
Rotala Blood Red, also known as blood red rotala, is a variety of Rotala Rotundifolia. Its long, narrow leaves can develop a striking red hue when grown under high light and CO2 injection. Placing this plant in the background or midground of your aquarium will add depth to your aquascape and create a visual feast for your eyes.
However, please note that Rotala Blood Red requires advanced care and attention. It thrives in specific conditions that include CO2 supplementation, making it more suitable for experienced aquarists. Before introducing this beautiful plant to your tank, conducting thorough research and providing the optimal conditions to ensure its successful growth and brilliant colouration is crucial.
Key Takeaways:
- Rotala Blood Red is a breathtaking aquatic plant with a vibrant red colouration.
- It is vital to provide high light and CO2 supplementation for optimal growth.
- Regular trimming is necessary to maintain its compact form and promote bushier growth.
- Rotala Blood Red requires advanced care and is best suited for experienced aquarists.
- Research and replicate its natural habitat conditions for successful cultivation.
Brief Overview Of Rotala Blood Red
Rotala Blood Red is a variety of Rotala Rotundifolia, a fast-growing stem plant that has been popular in the planted aquarium hobby for many years. It is known for its intense deep-red color, which adds a striking visual element to any aquascape. This plant is relatively easy to care for, but it does require specific conditions to achieve its vibrant red coloration. It is commonly used as a focal point or background plant in aquascaping designs, creating a beautiful contrast with other green plants. With proper trimming and maintenance, Rotala Blood Red can form dense bushes and create a stunning underwater landscape.
Rotala Blood Red Information Table:
| Row Names | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Rotala rotundifolia ‘Blood Red’ |
| Common Names: | Rotala Blood Red, Red Rotala |
| Origin: | Cultivar, originally from Southeast Asia |
| Height: | Up to 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate to Fast |
| Colour: | Deep red to burgundy, depending on light and nutrient conditions |
| Aquarium Placement: | Midground to Background |
| Water Type: | Freshwater |
| pH: | 5.0 – 7.5 |
| Care Level: | Moderate |
| Light Requirements: | High; 50-70 PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation), 5000-7000 Kelvin, 30-50 LUX |
| CO2 Requirements: | Recommended for best colouration and growth |
| Temperature: | 20-28°C (68-82°F) |
| Flow Rate: | Moderate to High |
| Propagation: | Cuttings |
| Feed Type: | Liquid fertilizers, especially those rich in iron and micronutrients |
Expanded Light Requirements:
For Rotala Blood Red, achieving vibrant colouration and optimal growth requires sufficient lighting. Here’s a breakdown:
- PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation): Aim for a PAR level of 50-70. This range is conducive to promoting healthy growth and the deep red colouration that Rotala Blood Red is known for.
- LUX: While LUX is not a direct measure of the light’s usefulness for plant growth, maintaining a range of 30-50 LUX can indicate a brightly lit tank, which benefits Rotala Blood Red.
- Kelvin Scale: The colour temperature should be between 5000-7000 Kelvin. This range simulates the midday sun and is ideal for photosynthesis, encouraging the red pigmentation in the plant.
Adjusting these light parameters, along with proper CO2 supplementation and nutrient dosing, can significantly impact the colour intensity and overall health of Rotala Blood Red in an aquarium setting.
Incorporating red aquarium plants like Rotala Blood Red can enhance the overall aesthetic and create a visually captivating display when designing a freshwater aquascape. The deep-red colour of this plant adds depth and focal points to the aquascape, creating a vibrant and dynamic underwater scene. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, Rotala Blood Red can be a valuable addition to your aquarium.
Origins And Habitat
Rotala Blood Red, a variety of Rotala Rotundifolia, originates from southeastern China. In its natural habitat, this plant is commonly found in swampy areas and along the edges of streams and rivers. Adaptable in nature, Rotala Blood Red typically grows emersed, with its leaves above the waterline. However, it can also thrive in fully submerged conditions in aquariums. Due to its versatility, Rotala Rotundifolia is a popular choice among aquarists. To ensure optimal growth and vibrant coloration, it is essential to replicate its natural environment as closely as possible.
Aquarists can successfully cultivate and enjoy this captivating plant’s beauty by providing the right conditions and care.
Morphological Characteristics
Rotala Blood Red, a stunning addition to any aquascape, exhibits distinct morphological characteristics contributing to its beauty and appeal. This exquisite plant features long, narrow leaves that grow vertically, creating an elegant and graceful appearance within the aquarium.
The leaves of Rotala Blood Red can range from vibrant green to a striking deep red, depending on the lighting intensity and nutrient availability. This versatility allows aquarists to create captivating visual effects by manipulating the plant’s growing conditions.
With proper care and maintenance, Rotala Blood Red can reach a height of 4-8 inches, making it an ideal choice for placement in the background or midground of an aquascape. Its vertical growth pattern and vibrant colouration add depth and dimension to the overall composition, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the aquarium.
Regular trimming is necessary to maintain the compact form of Rotala Blood Red and stimulate bushier growth. Trimmings can also be replanted to propagate new plants and create a fuller appearance within the aquarium. Handling Rotala Blood Red with care is crucial, as its delicate leaves are prone to breakage.
Overall, the morphological characteristics of Rotala Blood Red make it an exquisite choice for blood red rotala aquascaping. Its long and narrow leaves, range of vibrant colours, compact growth, and propagation potential contribute to red aquarium plants’ visual allure and versatility.
Placement And Lighting
Rotala Blood Red is best placed in the background or midground of an aquarium to create a focal point and add depth to the aquascape. It is a high-light plant that requires intense illumination to develop its vibrant red colouration. Ideally, it should have a minimum medium to high lighting of at least 80 mols of PAR. More vital lighting, around 150-200 umols of PAR, can further enhance red colouration. Positioning the plant where it will receive direct light without being shaded by other plants or decor is essential. Adequate lighting and proper placement are crucial for the successful growth and colour development of Rotala Blood Red.
What Are Good Tank Mates?
Rotala Blood Red, with its vibrant colour and striking appearance, can be beautifully complemented by various fish and invertebrates in an aquarium. When choosing tank mates for Rotala Blood Red, it is essential to consider their compatibility with the plant’s care requirements.
Good Tank Mates
Some suitable options for tank mates with Rotala Blood Red include small to medium-sized fish that are peaceful and do not disturb the plant or compete for resources. Peaceful tetras, rasboras, gouramis, and small catfish species are excellent choices. These fish add beauty to the aquarium and coexist well with Rotala Blood Red, creating a balanced and harmonious underwater environment.
Fish Species To Avoid
While selecting tank mates, avoiding fish species known for digging, uprooting plants, or nibbling on leaves is crucial. Cichlids, goldfish, and certain species of barbs or loaches fall into this category and may cause damage to Rotala Blood Red. Choosing compatible tank mates ensures the plant’s well-being and prevents any disruption to its growth and vibrant colouration.
Creating a thriving aquarium environment requires careful consideration of tank mates compatible with the specific care needs of Rotala Blood Red. By choosing suitable fish species and avoiding those that can potentially harm the plant, you can maintain a captivating and flourishing aquascape with this stunning red plant as its centrepiece.
FAQ
What are the care requirements for Rotala Blood Red?
Rotala Blood Red requires high lighting and CO2 supplementation for optimal growth and vibrant red coloration. It also needs regular trimming to maintain its compact form.
How do I propagate Rotala Blood Red?
To propagate Rotala Blood Red, trim the plant and replant the cuttings into the substrate. The cuttings will develop new roots and grow into new plants.
What are the optimal water conditions for Rotala Blood Red?
Rotala Blood Red thrives in a range of water parameters. However, it prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) and moderately soft to moderately hard water (4-12 dGH).
How can I enhance the red coloration in Rotala Blood Red?
Providing high-intensity lighting and adequate CO2 supplementation can enhance the red coloration in Rotala Blood Red. It is important to maintain stable water conditions and provide proper nutrient balance.
Can Rotala Blood Red be kept with other fish?
Yes, Rotala Blood Red can be kept with small to medium-sized fish that are compatible with its care requirements. Avoid fish species that may damage the plants, such as cichlids, goldfish, and certain species of barbs or loaches.
