Rotala Rotundifolia 'Blood Red'

You will receive: 1 pot of ±5 stems, each approx. 10 cm long — freshly delivered from the nursery, ready for planting.

⚠️ Level: Advanced — this plant requires CO₂ injection for optimal color and healthy growth. Not suitable as a first plant for a tank without a CO₂ system.

Rotala Rotundifolia 'Blood Red' is one of the most colorful stem plants for the aquarium. With the right light intensity and CO₂ supply, this plant develops deep red to burgundy leaves that immediately bring any mid- or background zone to life.

🌿 Plant specifications

🚚 Delivery & warranty

• Freshly delivered from the nursery — ready for planting
• Shipping Tuesday or Friday → Read more about shipping
• Delivery with track & trace, usually within 1–2 working days
• Dead on arrival? We will resolve this together. Contact us within 24 hours of receipt with a photo.
• Free shipping from €59,-

✂️ Care

Rotala Blood Red colors most intensely with high light and good CO₂ supply. Regular pruning stimulates branching and denser, fuller growth. For optimal color, we recommend liquid plant food such as Sera Florena, or Sera Florenette substrate tablets for long-term nutrition through the roots.

💡 Planter's tip

Plant in groups of 5–7 stems for maximum color effect. Combines beautifully with green foreground plants like Hemianthus callitrichoides or Eleocharis parvula for a strong color contrast.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep this plant without a CO₂ system?
No, or at least not with good results. Without CO₂ injection, the plant grows slowly and loses its intense red color — the leaves turn green or light pink. CO₂ is essential for a true Blood Red color.

How fast does Rotala Blood Red grow?
Under good conditions (high light + CO₂), the plant can grow 2–5 cm per week. Prune regularly to keep the plant compact and branched.

My plant arrived yellow or limp — is that normal?
Yes, this is common due to transport stress. Give the plant 1–2 weeks to acclimate. Ensure good lighting and CO₂, and the plant almost always recovers completely. For persistent problems: contact us.

How many bundles do I need for my tank?
For a beautiful, full background, we recommend 3–5 bundles (15–25 stems) for a width of ±30 cm. For an accent group, 1–2 bundles are sufficient.

Is this plant suitable for a shrimp tank?
Yes, Rotala Blood Red is shrimp-friendly and also provides a good hiding place for young shrimp.

Do you have another question? Feel free to contact us — we are happy to help you make the right choice for your aquarium.