Echinodorus 'Red Diamond' care guide
Echinodorus 'Red Diamond' (Echinodorus 'Red Diamond') — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 6.5-7.5, no CO2.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Echinodorus 'Red Diamond' (Echinodorus 'Red Diamond') is an aquatic plant of the family Alismataceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A compact red sword plant hybrid with intensely ruby-colored new growth. Stays smaller than most swords, making it suitable for midground placement in medium-sized tanks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alismataceae
- Genus: Echinodorus
- Scientific name: Echinodorus 'Red Diamond'
- Common synonyms: Red Diamond Sword
Habitat
Echinodorus is a genus of New-World aquatic and marsh plants (family Alismataceae) widespread from the southern United States through tropical South America; many cultivated forms are nursery hybrids selected for colour and leaf shape. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Cultivar.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 25 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
A heavy root feeder for the midground or background. Nutrient-rich substrate, root tabs and stable parameters drive vigorous growth. Larger varieties require generous spacing. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the midground under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Reproduces by adventitious plantlets that develop on flower stalks; once a plantlet has formed several leaves and visible roots it can be separated and planted. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: horizontal runners.
Common issues
Pale or yellowing new leaves usually indicate iron or other micro-nutrient deficiency; root tabs in nutrient-poor substrates correct most cases.
Echinodorus 'Red Diamond': Propagation Guide
Overview
Echinodorus 'Red Diamond' is a compact sword cultivar of the genus Echinodorus (family Alismataceae) prized for intensely ruby new growth on narrow leaves. It stays smaller than most swords, suiting the midground of medium tanks, yet it shares the rosette growth habit of its genus and is a marsh plant lineage that can grow emersed before settling submersed.
Propagation Method (Adventitious Plantlets / Division)
For the genus Echinodorus, propagation is by division or by adventitious new plants developing on submerged flowering stems. A healthy 'Red Diamond' that pushes up a submerged flower stalk produces plantlets along it instead of flowers; these side shoots grow into new plants. Dividing the crown or rhizome of a large mother plant is the alternative.
- Adventitious plantlets: daughter plants on the submerged inflorescence (flower stalk).
- Crown / rhizome division: split an established mother plant into rooted sections.
Step-by-Step
- Grow the mother plant well until it sends up a flower stalk that, submerged, forms plantlets.
- Allow each plantlet several leaves and its own roots while attached to the stalk.
- Cut a rooted plantlet free of the inflorescence to separate it.
- Alternatively, lift a mature plant and divide the crown or rhizome, keeping healthy roots on each piece.
- Replant into rich aquasoil-type substrate and add a root tab beneath the roots.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
Red Echinodorus color up best with adequate light: PAR around 70 umols or above is needed, with about 150 umols a good target for strong red. Growers find Echinodorus easier in rich aquasoil substrates, since the plant can feed from the substrate while water-column nutrients stay low and stable. CO2 supports vigor, though it is not mandatory.
Maintenance
Trim spent outer leaves at the base so light reaches the red center, and keep the substrate fertilized over time. Because it stays compact, it needs less thinning than large swords, but a depleted substrate still saps its color. Expect a short adjustment as emersed leaves give way to submersed ones.
Common Challenges
- Dull or green new leaves point to low light or weak substrate nutrition.
- Old-leaf melt is normal during the emersed-to-submersed transition.
- No plantlets without a submerged flower stalk — keep the plant mature and well-fed to trigger flowering.