Rotala 'Blood Red' Propagation Guide: Cuttings for Deep-Red Stems

Rotala 'Blood Red' is a cultivated red form of the Rotala rotundifolia group and propagates identically to its parent, by cuttings. Cut a few centimetres off the top and replant the tip; new shoots sprout from the nodes left on the base. Space stems apart so side shoots have room. For the deep crimson colour, pair a rich substrate and lean nitrate with strong light and iron. The group tolerates wide parameters and even grows without CO2 once acclimatised, though light and CO2 improve density and colour.

Overview

Rotala 'Blood Red' is a cultivated colour form within the Rotala rotundifolia group, selected for intense red foliage. It is propagated exactly like its parent species, by cuttings. A single replanted stem will branch out and can even develop aerial roots as it spreads.

Propagation Method (Cuttings)

Cut a few centimetres off the top of the plant and replant the tip. New shoots sprout from the nodes on the remaining stem. If the parent was healthy, you can cut away most of it, leaving short stems a few centimetres high, which keep producing new shoots.

Step-by-Step

1. Pick a strong, well-coloured stem from the parent plant.
2. Cut the top 5 to 10 cm with clean scissors.
3. Strip the lower leaves so a bare node enters the substrate.
4. Plant the stems at least half an inch apart to leave room for side shoots.
5. Keep the trimmed base in place to sprout fresh shoots from its nodes.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

The rotundifolia group tolerates a wide range of parameters and will even grow without CO2 after acclimatisation, but sufficient light and CO2 give better density and colour. For the signature deep red, combine a rich substrate, lean nitrate in the water column, and high lighting. This selected 'Blood Red' form colours up without needing nitrate as severely limited as some other reds.

Trimming & Maintenance

Top roughly every ten days, replanting the cut tops to thicken the stand. Each topping triggers more side shoots from the nodes below the cut, building a dense bush. Spacing stems apart at planting keeps the bush airy enough for those side shoots to develop.

Common Challenges

Too little light or excess nitrate keeps the plant greenish instead of red. As stems mature they may throw aerial roots, especially when given open space. The pure SG strain can be hard to source because it is not widely grown commercially.