Echinodorus Red Diamond

Echinodorus 'Red Diamond' is a cultivated Amazon sword, bred for leaves that emerge deep wine red and settle to a bronzed red-green as they mature. The leaves are narrower and more pointed than the common broad-leaved swords, held in a rosette that opens outward, and a healthy plant becomes a substantial specimen suitable for the back or centre of a tank. Swords are rooted feeders, and this is the single most important thing to know about them.

Aquarium care

• Plant it in the substrate with the crown above the surface, not buried.
• Feeds mainly through the roots. Root tabs or a nutrient substrate make a large difference.
• Moderate light. Stronger light deepens the red but also encourages algae if nutrients lag.
• Grows well without CO2, though it grows faster with it.
• Needs depth of substrate and room for a spreading root mass.
• Older outer leaves yellow and can be cut off at the base.

A good centrepiece or background plant for a community tank. Keep it away from heavy diggers such as large cichlids and goldfish, which will lift it.

Stock rotates as new plants arrive, and plants are sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the current live plants.