{"product_id":"rotala-colorata","title":"Rotala Colorata | Rotala rotundifolia 'Colorata'","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRotala Colorata is a selectively grown form of Rotala rotundifolia that colours up more readily than the standard plant, taking on rich orange to red hues even under moderate light. It keeps all the easygoing nature of the species while giving more reliable warmth in the aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRotala rotundifolia grows across South-East Asia, often semi-emersed along the edges of rice paddies and in damp, sunny margins. In the aquarium the Colorata form recreates that habit as a submerged stem, colouring best with bright light and a few nutrients while still tolerating a wide range of conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFine, narrow leaves line slender stems that flush orange-red in the tops, deepening with more light and lean nitrate. Stems reach around 15–30 cm and branch freely when trimmed, forming a bushy, colourful stand. The portion sold is a bundle of stems that establishes and colours as it settles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlacement and Aquascaping\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest in the midground to background, planted in dense groups for a full, colourful bush, or trimmed lower as a mid-height feature. Trim and replant the tops regularly to encourage side shoots and keep the group compact, and place it in bright light to hold the colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting and Propagation\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRemove the pot, rockwool and any weights, separate the stems, and plant each individually into the substrate. It propagates easily from cuttings: snip the tops and replant them, and the base branches to make more stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eModerate to high light gives the best form and the red-orange colour; it grows in lower light but stays green and taller. CO2 is beneficial rather than required and improves density and colour. Feed through the water column with a liquid fertiliser and iron, keep the water 20–28 °C, pH around 6.0–7.5, and expect fast, easy growth that takes heavy pruning well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRotala rotundifolia 'Colorata'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRotala Colorata\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSouth-East Asia (cultivated form)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner to Intermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlacement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMidground to Background\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLighting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate to High\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCO2 Requirement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeneficial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFertilisation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLiquid fertiliser plus iron for red colour\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft to moderately hard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePropagation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStem cuttings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColourful planted aquascapes, from low-tech to high-tech\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeaceful community fish, shrimp and snails all suit it, and it makes good cover for fry. It pairs well with tetras, rasboras, guppies, dwarf cichlids and nano fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHerbivorous and digging fish such as silver dollars, large goldfish and many cichlids will eat or uproot the stems. In very low light it loses its colour and grows leggy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAustralian-grown aquarium plants for in-store collection or local delivery. Sold sizes\/portions reflect what we stock; anything shown as sold out will return as we restock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55234105737507,"sku":"AA1285","price":12.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/rotala-colorata-43078223429923-v2.webp?v=1790321589","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/rotala-colorata","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}