Nesaea sp. 'Red'

Nesaea sp. 'Red' is an undescribed or informally named collection form of Nesaea, circulating in the aquarium hobby through specialist dealers and plant exchanges. It is selected specifically for its capacity to produce deep, saturated red-orange coloration comparable in intensity to Rotala macrandra, which is extraordinary for the Nesaea genus.

Care requirements are similar to other advanced Nesaeas — high light, CO2, soft water, and consistent iron-rich fertilisation — but this form may be slightly more sensitive to temperature fluctuations and water hardness. Keeping GH below 8 and temperature between 22–26°C produces the most vivid colour results.

A trophy plant for serious collectors, best showcased as a specimen group in the midground-background zone where its exceptional colouration can be fully appreciated.

Light: Very high (70–120 PAR); essential for full red-orange saturation. CO2: Required at 25–35 mg/L; stable levels are critical for colour retention. Fertilisation: Iron 0.1–0.3 mg/L maintained; comprehensive daily or every-other-day micro dosing. Placement: Midground to background focal group; 5–7 stems with 3–4 cm spacing. Propagation: Trim tops at 12–15 cm; replant and maintain identical conditions to preserve colour.