Rotala Orange Juice Aquatic Plant

Rotala Orange Juice is a stunning and vibrant aquatic plant known for its bright orange and pink hues. It is a relatively new variety in the aquarium hobby and is highly sought after for its unique coloration. While it is more demanding than Rotala Green, with proper care, it can thrive and become a standout feature in your aquarium.

1. Overview of Rotala Orange Juice

• Scientific Name: Rotala rotundifolia ‘Orange Juice’
• Family: Lythraceae
• Origin: Cultivated variant (originating from Southeast Asia)
• Difficulty: Moderate to High
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Light Requirements: High
• CO2 Requirements: High (CO2 supplementation is essential)
• Placement: Midground to Background

2. Tank Requirements

• Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2-12 dGH)
• Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs for optimal growth
• Lighting: High lighting (4+ watts per gallon or 80+ PAR) to bring out its vibrant colors
• CO2: CO2 injection is highly recommended for healthy growth and intense coloration

3. Planting and Propagation

• Planting: Plant Rotala Orange Juice in groups for a dense, bushy effect. Trim the stems and plant them into the substrate, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart to allow light to penetrate.
• Propagation: Propagate by cutting the stems. Trim the top portion of the plant (about 4-6 inches) and replant it into the substrate. The remaining stem will often produce new side shoots.

4. Care Tips

• Fertilization: Use a comprehensive liquid fertilizer to provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Iron supplementation is crucial for maintaining its vibrant orange and pink colors.
• Pruning: Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy. Trim the tops and replant them to fill in gaps.
• Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and prevent algae growth.
• Algae Control: Ensure proper lighting duration (6-8 hours per day) and avoid overfeeding fish to prevent algae from competing with Rotala Orange Juice.

5. Common Issues

• Melting: Rotala Orange Juice may melt when first introduced to a new tank due to changes in water parameters. This is normal, and the plant will usually recover with proper care.
• Leggy Growth: Insufficient light can cause the plant to grow tall and sparse. Increase light intensity or duration to encourage compact growth.
• Fading Colors: Inadequate lighting, CO2, or nutrient deficiencies can cause the plant to lose its vibrant colors. Ensure high light, CO2 injection, and proper fertilization.

6. Compatibility

• Fish: Rotala Orange Juice is compatible with most community fish, including tetras, guppies, and rasboras. Avoid fish that are known to eat plants, such as goldfish or cichlids.
• Invertebrates: Shrimp and snails are great tank mates and can help keep the tank clean.

7. Benefits in the Aquarium

• Provides excellent hiding spots for fish and shrimp.
• Enhances the aesthetic appeal of the tank with its bright orange and pink foliage.
• Helps improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow and maintain Rotala Orange Juice in your aquarium, creating a lush and vibrant underwater landscape. With its striking colors, it is sure to be a focal point in any aquascape.

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