Rotala rotundifolia 'Orange Juice'
Posted by Max Gandara on on 2nd Jul 2025
Rotala rotundifolia 'Orange Juice': A Vivid Citrus Burst for Your Aquascape
For aquascapers looking to infuse vibrant, sunset tones into their layout, Rotala rotundifolia 'Orange Juice' offers the perfect blend of beauty and versatility. With its delicate, narrow leaves that shift from soft peach to fiery orange under optimal conditions, this plant is an eye-catching centerpiece or accent in high-energy aquascapes.
Like other Rotala species, ‘Orange Juice’ grows quickly and responds well to trimming, making it a great candidate for creating layers of color and texture in both nature-style and Dutch-style tanks.
What is Rotala 'Orange Juice'?
Rotala rotundifolia 'Orange Juice' is a cultivated variety of the popular Rotala rotundifolia, selected for its vibrant orange to salmon-pink coloration. Under high light and with CO₂ injection, its thin, lance-shaped leaves take on warm citrus hues that intensify toward the surface, especially when planted in dense clusters.
While it shares the same care requirements as classic Rotala, its distinct coloring makes it a unique focal point or blending plant when transitioning between reds and greens.
Why Aquascapers Love It
? Unique Orange Tones:
Stands out among the reds, greens, and purples in most aquascapes with its rare, glowing orange color.
✂️ Easy to Shape and Trim:
Responds well to trimming, making it ideal for creating bushy, colorful mid- and background sections.
? Soft, Flowing Texture:
Its fine, narrow leaves add movement and delicacy to heavily structured scapes.
? Fast Growth in High-Tech Tanks:
Great for filling space and adding contrast quickly in high-energy setups.
Care Guide for Rotala rotundifolia 'Orange Juice'
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Light | Medium to high (high light enhances color) |
| CO₂ | Strongly recommended |
| Fertilization | Needs regular dosing, especially iron and micronutrients |
| Substrate | Nutrient-rich soil or root tabs |
| Temperature | 70–82°F (21–28°C) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Placement | Midground to background |
Pro Tips
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Trim Weekly: Frequent trimming promotes denser, bushier growth and helps maintain lower color zones.
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Replant Cuttings: Tops can be replanted to thicken the bush or start new patches.
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Color Optimization: Strong light, CO₂, and iron-rich fertilization will intensify orange tones.
Aquascaping Applications
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? Color Transition Zones: Ideal for bridging green plants (like Limnophila or Hygrophila) and deeper red plants (like Alternanthera reineckii).
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? Dutch-Style Layouts: Use in grouped, color-layered plant streets.
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? Backdrop for Fish: Makes a vivid background for brightly colored nano fish like rasboras, guppies, or shrimp.
Final Thoughts
Rotala rotundifolia 'Orange Juice' is more than just a colorful stem plant—it’s a tool for creating dynamic color palettes and organic flow in planted aquariums. With its citrus-toned vibrance and forgiving growth habits (especially in well-maintained high-tech setups), it brings warmth and contrast to any aquascape layout. If you're looking to add a splash of sunshine beneath the surface, this Rotala cultivar is the perfect pick.