Echinodorus Red Flame care guide
Echinodorus Red Flame (Echinodorus 'Red Flame') — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Echinodorus Red Flame (Echinodorus 'Red Flame') 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 cultivated Echinodorus hybrid with striking red and brown mottled leaves that add dramatic color to the midground. New leaves emerge deep red before gradually transitioning to olive green as they mature.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alismataceae
- Genus: Echinodorus
- Scientific name: Echinodorus 'Red Flame'
- Common synonyms: Red Flame 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 cultivated.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 30 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: adventitious plantlets on flower stalks, 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.
Propagating Echinodorus 'Red Flame'
Overview
Echinodorus 'Red Flame' is a cultivated sword from the family Alismataceae that grows as a rosette, with leaves radiating from a central crown. Like other Echinodorus, it naturally occurs as a marsh and bog plant capable of submersed growth, and it can form aerial leaves in good conditions. It is a heavy root feeder, so propagation success depends as much on a rich substrate as on the technique you choose.
Because it is a rosette rather than a stem plant, you do not top or take cuttings. Instead, the two reliable routes are adventitious daughter plantlets that develop on a submerged flowering stem and division of the crown and rhizome.
Propagation Method
Echinodorus propagation is by division or by adventitious new plants developing on submerged flowering stems. When a submerged inflorescence forms, small plantlets develop on the stalk instead of flowers, and each plantlet grows its own roots and leaves while still attached.
- Adventitious plantlets: daughter plants form along the submerged flower stalk and can be detached once rooted.
- Crown and rhizome division: an established rosette is split into sections, each with its own roots.
Step-by-Step
- Wait for a mature plant to send up a flowering stem; under submerged conditions it produces plantlets rather than seeds.
- Allow each plantlet to develop its own roots and a few leaves while still on the stalk.
- Cut the plantlet free with clean scissors and plant it in nutrient-rich substrate, keeping the crown above the substrate and burying only the roots.
- To divide instead, lift a large rosette, gently separate the rhizome into sections that each carry roots, and replant each piece.
- Press root tabs into the substrate near each new plant, since swords are heavy root feeders.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
Echinodorus prefer a deep, nutrient-rich substrate for root feeding, good light, and tropical to subtropical temperatures. Additional CO2 often helps drive strong growth, though it is not strictly required for this cultivar.
- Substrate: deep and nutrient-rich, supplemented with root tabs.
- Light: medium and steady to keep the red mottling pronounced.
- Temperature: warm, in the tropical to subtropical range.
Maintenance
Bury the roots while keeping the crown clear of the substrate; covering the crown can rot the plant. Replenish root tabs as the substrate depletes, and remove old or damaged outer leaves so energy goes into new growth and any developing plantlets.
Common Challenges
- Crown buried too deep, leading to rot — replant with the crown exposed.
- Plantlets detached before they have roots, slowing establishment.
- Pale or stunted leaves from a depleted substrate — add root tabs.