Rotala ‘Orange Juice’ with a ceramic ring. Bright orange stem plant for mid to background use. Buy one, get one free — simply add two to the cart and we’ll include a third at no cost.
$8.99
In stock
🌿 Introduction
Rotala ‘Orange Juice’ is a striking stem plant prized for its warm golden to orange hues, which intensify under strong lighting and CO₂. Native to Asia and bred into the hobby as a cultivar, it brings lively color contrast and motion to planted aquariums.
🌱 Plant Profile
Type: Stem
Origin: Asia (cultivar)
Position: Midground to background
Growth Rate: Medium to fast
Lighting: Medium to high
CO₂: Recommended for best coloration and compact growth
Height / Spread: 8–16″ (20–40 cm) · Spread 2–4″ (5–10 cm)
Water Parameters: pH 6.0–7.5 · GH 3–10 · KH 1–6
✅ Care Summary
Plant stems individually with a little space between to allow light penetration and bushy growth.
Trim tops frequently to maintain shape; replant cuttings to thicken groups.
Adaptable but shows its best orange tones with higher light, CO₂, and balanced nutrition.
Excellent for adding color contrast in Dutch- and nature-style aquascapes, and provides shelter for shrimp and small fish.
Can grow emersed in terrariums/paludariums if humidity is high and substrate is kept moist.
🌿 Q&A
Q: How do I keep Rotala ‘Orange Juice’ bright orange instead of green?
A: Strong lighting, added CO₂, and lean nitrate levels encourage orange and red coloration. In lower light, it may stay green.
Q: Can I grow this plant without CO₂?
A: Yes, but growth will be taller and less colorful. CO₂ injection ensures compact, vivid results.
Q: How often should I trim it?
A: Every 2–3 weeks depending on growth. Frequent topping and replanting help maintain a full, bushy look.
🌍 More About Rotala ‘Orange Juice’
Rotala is a diverse genus of aquatic plants native to Southeast Asia, often found in slow-flowing rivers, marshes, and seasonal floodplains. The ‘Orange Juice’ variety is a modern cultivar selected for its glowing citrus tones that stand out among other red or green stem plants. In nature, wild Rotala species grow in dense stands along riverbanks, where they experience both submerged and emersed phases with seasonal water levels. This adaptability explains their strong performance in aquariums and paludariums alike.
