Rotala Vietnam H’ra
Rotala Vietnam H’ra
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A beautiful Rotala rotundifolia relative that turns a rich crimson red. This is one of the most spectacular Rotala species and one of the most dramatic plants you can add to your aquarium.
When planted along with greener Rotala varieties (such as Rotala nanjenshan), the contrast is simply stunning and cannot be overstated.
Unlike many other red plants, Rotala Vietnam H'ra is a fairly undemanding and is always red even in medium lighting without CO2. In good lighting with CO2 injection, this R. Vietnam H'ra will will become intensely red and is one of the best choices for the background of any aquarium.
QUICK NOTES:
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Type: Stem
Size: 3 - 20cm+
Native Range: Asia (Vietnam)
Position and Usage: Midground and background are most common, but tends to creep along substrate when lighting is high.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Lighting: 3/5 - 5/5
Water Conditions: pH of 6.5 to 7.5
CO2: Not required but beneficial
Propagation: Cuttings from side shoots or axial roots can be re-planted in the substrate - frequent trimming promotes shorter, bushier growth.
Special requirements: CO2 injection promotes faster, denser growth and better coloration. Iron supplementation also improves the red coloration.
Emersed growth: Suitable and easily aclimates to emersed growth.
Description
Native to Vietnam, Rotala h’ra is a relatively new addition to hobbyist tanks and is likely a close cousin of Rotala rotundifolia. Characterized by it's intense and permanent warm orange to red colouration, this plant has copious thin, pointed leaves along upward reaching stems.
With sufficient illumination, fertilization, and carbon dioxide supplementation, it may also creep along your tank’s substrate. Side shoots and axial roots can be cut and re-planted in the substrate to encourage dense, lateral growth, although the plant will branch out naturally with time.
Rotala H’ra is versatile and can be adapted to an aquascape of any size or design, making it both a vivid and practical choice. It is one of the easiest red plants and makes every aquascape really pop! Unlike the other Rotala species, R. Vietnam 'H'ra' is red "out of the box" and does not require special lighting for CO2 to bring out it's characteristic coloration.
Good lighting and CO2 fertilization will only enhance the coloration and when it is happy, Vietnam H'ra's intense red coloration is almost surreal! It is best used in the background or midground alongside green plants for a truly beautiful display that has been featured in countless professional aquarium shots in books or social media.
This plant is highly recommended for anyone looking for a beautiful red addition to an aquascape and is almost guaranteed to become one of your favorite plants! It pearls intensely with CO2 injection is simply a stunning plant that transforms your aquarium into an extraordinary piece of art.
Considering it's jaw-dropping appearance, Rotala Vietnam H'ra is a fairly easy and adaptable plant - easier to grow in some cases than most of other Rotala species. It is a gem that will speak for itself!
