Rotala red cross

Rotala red cross

Rotala red cross is a striking cultivar with vibrant red coloration and a distinctive cross-like leaf arrangement around the stem — each pair of leaves positioned at right angles to the pair above and below, creating a precise, symmetrical cross pattern visible in the stem structure. This geometric, cross-like leaf arrangement combined with the vivid red coloration creates a plant with an unusually structured, architectural quality among Rotala species.

Care tip: Rotala red cross grows best in high lighting with CO₂ required. Maintain temperatures of 72–82°F and pH 6.0–7.0. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and best coloration.

Growing to 6 to 12 inches, red cross is a compact midground plant that requires high light and CO₂ to maintain its intense red coloration and the precise cross leaf arrangement. Without these conditions the color fades and the geometric leaf arrangement becomes less defined. Regular trimming maintains compact, well-colored growth and promotes the fresh, most-structured new growth where the cross arrangement is most clearly expressed.

As an advanced plant, red cross requires CO₂ injection and high lighting. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 provide comfortable conditions. Consistent fertilization maintains the vivid red coloration across the cross-arranged leaves. The chart notes the need for high light and CO₂ to maintain color intensity — accurate requirements that should be taken seriously.

In the aquascape, Rotala red cross provides vivid red midground color with a structured, geometric leaf arrangement that creates subtle but distinctive botanical character. The cross leaf arrangement is most clearly visible up close where the precise geometric structure can be appreciated. Groups of well-maintained red cross create a midground display that is simultaneously vividly red and botanically interesting at close viewing range.

Rotala red cross is a vividly colored and structurally distinctive midground Rotala for advanced aquarists who appreciate geometric leaf arrangement alongside intense color. Its cross-like leaf structure and vivid red coloration make it one of the more architecturally interesting Rotala cultivars available.

Care & Specifications