Echinodorus "Indian Red"

Species Profile

• Common Name: Indian Red Sword
• Scientific Name: Echinodorus 'Indian Red'
• Plant Type: Rosette aquarium plant
• Origin: Cultivated aquarium variety (not a naturally occurring wild species)
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Placement: Midground to background
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Appearance

• Broad oval leaves with shades of:
  • Copper red
  • Bronze
  • Olive green
• New leaves usually show stronger red coloration.
• Mature size:
  • Height: 20–40 cm (8–16 in)
  • Spread: 15–30 cm

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 60 L+ recommended
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Lighting: Medium to high
  • Higher light = richer red tones
• CO₂: Optional but improves growth and color

Substrate & Fertilizer

• Best in nutrient-rich substrate
• Benefits greatly from:
  • Root tabs
  • Iron supplementation
  • Regular macro/micro nutrients

Care Tips

• Avoid burying the crown (keep it above substrate).
• Remove old outer leaves to encourage fresh growth.
• If leaves become pale, check iron and lighting.

Propagation

• Produces flower stalks (runners).
• Small plantlets appear on the stalk—once roots form, separate and replant.

Aquascaping Use

• Works beautifully as:
  • Red focal plant in green layouts
  • Nature aquarium style
  • Community planted tanks

Compatible With

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras
• Shrimp
• Peaceful community fish

Avoid keeping with strong plant-eaters such as large goldfish or large cichlids.