Rotala rotundifolia colorata
Rotala rotundifolia coloratais a vivid red-tinted form of Rotala rotundifolia producing intense red stems and foliage under strong light — one of the most colorful of the rotundifolia group and a reliable source of vivid red background color in high-tech planted aquariums. The intense red of well-grown colorata is consistent and stable, making it a dependable choice for aquarists who want reliable red display without the most extreme sensitivity of specialist macrandra forms.
Care tip:Rotala rotundifolia colorata grows best in high lighting with CO₂ recommended. Maintain temperatures of 72–82°F and pH 6.0–7.0. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and best coloration.
Growing to 10 to 20 inches, colorata is a tall background plant that requires frequent trimming to maintain compact, vibrantly red growth. The vivid red coloration is most intense in new growth near the stem tops under strong light — regular trimming cycles that replace old stems with fresh, vivid new growth are essential for maintaining the best color display across the entire planting.
As an advanced plant, colorata requires high lighting and CO₂ for its intense red coloration. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 provide comfortable conditions. Consistent iron-rich fertilization supports the vivid red pigmentation. Regular trimming and CO₂ management are both necessary for maintaining the intense, consistent red display that makes this species so valuable in high-tech aquascapes.
In the aquascape, Rotala rotundifolia colorata provides intensely red background coverage that is more accessible than macrandra while still delivering genuine vivid red impact. Groups of well-maintained colorata in the background create a vivid red field that provides powerful warm contrast against green and blue foreground plants. It is the most reliable choice among advanced rotundifolia forms for consistent intense red background display.
Rotala rotundifolia colorata is a reliable and intensely red background plant for advanced aquarists who want consistent vivid red from the rotundifolia group. Its accessible care compared to macrandra and genuine red intensity make it a practical and rewarding choice for high-tech planted aquarium backgrounds.
Care & Specifications
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Placement | Background |
| Max Height | 10–20 inches |
| Light Level | High |
| Temperature | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| CO2 Needs | Recommended |
| Origin | Asia |
| Notes | A vivid red-tinted form of Rotala rotundifolia producing intense red stems and foliage under strong light — one of the most colorful of the rotundifolia group. Fast-growing and requires frequent trimming to maintain compact, richly colored growth. CO₂ significantly enhances color intensity and growth quality. |
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