Rotala rotundifolia Colorata

Rotala rotundifolia Colorata is a select colour form renowned for its ability to achieve deep orange-red colouration that surpasses typical red selections. Under high lighting and CO2 injection the leaves develop an almost glowing, fiery orange-red tone. It requires dedicated nutrient management — particularly iron and micronutrients — to sustain colouration, and slight deficiencies will cause quick fading. When well maintained it is one of the most visually spectacular background plants available.

Light: High (60–100 PAR); essential for full orange-red colouration. CO2: Required at 25–35 mg/L; without CO2 colour fades to pale pink. Fertiliser: High iron and micronutrients; dose daily or every other day in high-tech tanks. Planting: Tight background groups of 5–7 stems; trim every 1 week to keep colour in new growth. Growth: Fast; 20–40 cm; new upper growth shows best colour.