Rotala rotundifolia Orange Juice
Alternate Names:
Rotala 'Orange Juice'
Rotala Orange Juice brings standout color to a planted tank while staying practical to grow, making it a fun choice for aquascapes that need a bright accent. It adapts well with or without CO₂.
Care At-A-Glance
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Stem plant with bright orange leaves under good conditions
Size: Can reach up to 50cm, generally around 20 - 30cm. Usually kept between 4"-8" (10-20cm)
Position and Usage: Midground or background plant
CO2 Requirements: Not required but recommended for optimal growth speed, health, density and especially, colouration
Growth Rate: Moderate to high
Lighting: 3/5 - 5/5. Higher light will result in the most vibrant orange coloration
Water Conditions: 22 - 28°C. Lower temperatures are tolerated but will slow growth. Softer water and low to neutral pH are preferred but exact water parameters are unimportant. However, sudden changes in water chemistry may not be tolerated well
Propagation/Reproduction: Make stem cuttings 2-3 nodes and replant. Frequent trimming will promote shorter, denser and bushier growth and cuttings can be replanted for an even denser display. It's a plant that really just keeps on giving. Special requirements: Like Rotala rotundifolia and other closely related plants, Rotala Orange Juice appreciates a rich substrate and iron-heavy fertilizers as well as good lighting for the best coloration. Emersed Growth: Can be grown emersed. Emsersed plants are short and dense, rarely exceeding 10cm. They tend to have rounded leaves and solid strong stems and are hard to distinguish from Rotala rotundifolia except for its orange coloration. This plant is well suited for use in a terrarium, paludarium or vivarium and will instantly become a focal point
Detailed Information
Overview
Rotala rotundifolia 'Orange Juice', Rotala Orange Juice A stunning variety (first cultivated in Italy) of the perennially popular and beautiful Rotala rotundifolia that produces an intense orange coloration in good conditions vs. the reddish pink coloration of normal Rotala rotundifolia .
The spectacular shape and color of this plant is best seen when it is grown submerged under high lighting and CO2 fertilization though it grows well in virtually any aquarium and will show its colors in low-tech setups when it is happy. Submerged with it's elongated, almost feathery leaves and delicate stems, Rotala Orange Juice makes for a fantastic background plant when planted as a thick bunch.
References and Further Reading