Echinodorus Rubra

Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Echinodorus rubra
• Common Name: Red Rubin Sword, Red Melon Sword (name varies by trade)
• Origin: Cultivar (likely derived from South American Echinodorus species)
• Height: 25–50 cm (10–20 inches)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Care: Easy to Moderate – hardy, but color intensity depends on care
• Light: Moderate to High – high light enhances red coloration in new leaves
• CO₂: Optional – not required, but improves growth rate and coloration
• Propagation: By adventitious plantlets (on flower stalks) or root division
• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Additional Notes:

  • Young leaves often display a reddish or bronze hue, which may fade to green in low light or poor nutrition.
  • Benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate and regular root fertilization (especially iron).
  • It can be used as a striking midground or background plant in medium to large tanks.
  • May produce long flower stalks with plantlets under good conditions.
  • Stable and less prone to melting than some other sword varieties when introduced.