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Form of Rotala rotundifolia

Rotala Colorata

Rotala rotundifolia 'Colorata'

One of 11 forms of Rotala rotundifolia · See all forms →

Also known as Rotala sp. 'Colorata'

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Rotala Colorata (Rotala rotundifolia 'Colorata')
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Forms · Rotala rotundifolia

See all 11 →

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
64–82°F
18–28°C
Max height
15.7 in
40 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Stem
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
1–15 dGH
Spread
1.6 in (4 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Lythraceae
Origin
Southeast Asia (cultivated form)

Overview

Rotala Colorata is a more color-focused version of the beginner-friendly dwarf rotala, best massed in the background. It is a plant of medium difficulty.

Did you know

Cutting the stem tips off Rotala Colorata intensifies the red. The newest top growth colors up fastest under strong light, while shaded lower leaves fade to green.

Caring for Rotala Colorata

Plant the stems of Rotala Colorata one at a time into a nutrient-rich substrate. Add a liquid fertilizer too, since it feeds through both roots and leaves.

It needs bright light, roughly 80 PAR and up, to turn deep red. Injected CO2 is not required, but it helps the red and speeds growth. In weaker light it stays orange-green. It handles 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C).

It grows fast. Trimming the tops encourages side shoots and a denser, bushier stand, and the trimmings replant easily.

Good to know

Rotala Colorata sits in the family Lythraceae alongside all other Rotala. Like the parent species it is amphibious, with rounded leaves above water and narrow leaves submersed. It is genetically the same species as common Rotala rotundifolia but carries more red pigment under high light. It is also the parent stock of the 'Orange Juice' sport.

In the wild

Rotala Colorata is a selected form of Rotala rotundifolia, a species native to Southeast Asia. There it grows in shallow, sunny wetlands, rice paddies and stream edges. Colorata was picked out in cultivation for stronger red color and is not a distinct wild population.

Common questions

Is Rotala Colorata a different species from Rotala rotundifolia?

No. Rotala Colorata is a form of Rotala rotundifolia. It reaches about 15.7 in (40 cm), against 19.7 in (50 cm) for the species. It wants high light, where the species wants medium. Added CO2 helps it, while the species grows well without. It also differs in difficulty, hardness, pH, spread and temperature.

Does Rotala Colorata need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.

Does Rotala Colorata need CO2?

No, but it helps. Rotala Colorata can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Rotala Colorata need?

Rotala Colorata needs high light from a strong planted-tank LED. In weaker light its stems stretch and drop their lower leaves.

Does Rotala Colorata need root tabs?

They help. Rotala Colorata takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Rotala Colorata?

Rotala Colorata propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.

How tall does Rotala Colorata grow?

Rotala Colorata grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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