Echinodorus ‘Red Diamond’ is a popular, highly attractive hybrid sword plant known for its striking ruby-red and burgundy foliage. Originating as a cultivated hybrid in Ukraine, it is believed to be a cross between Echinodorus horemanni ‘Red’ and Echinodorus ‘Barthii’. Unlike many massive Amazon sword species, this cultivar stays relatively compact. This makes it an exceptional focal point or solitary centerpiece for both small and large freshwater aquariums.

Key Plant Features:

• Tri-Colour Aesthetic: The plant can display red, brown, and green leaves simultaneously. New growth emerges in vibrant ruby red. It then transitions to bronze or deep olive green as the leaves mature.
• Manageable Dimensions: It grows into a compact rosette. It reaches a modest height of 15–25 cm (up to 30 cm) and a width of 20–30 cm.
• Hardy Nature: It is adaptable and resilient. It suits beginners who want to add bold colour without dealing with delicate or difficult red plants.

Aquarium Care Requirements:

• Substrate & Nutrients: As a heavy root feeder, it requires a nutrient-dense aquarium soil. Using root tabs underneath its root ball is highly beneficial to sustain healthy growth and leaf pigmentation.
• Lighting: Low to moderate lighting is acceptable, but medium-to-high light intensity heavily intensifies the brilliant ruby-red colouration. Low light causes the new leaves to lean greener.
• CO₂ Injection: Beneficial for fast growth and optimal colour saturation, though completely optional.
• Water Parameters: Thrives in a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH of 6.0–7.5, and soft to medium water hardness.

Planting Tips:

• Pruning: Trim the roots back to roughly 2 inches and remove any dead outer leaves before planting to stimulate new growth.
• Placement: Gently push the root ball into the substrate using aquascaping tweezers. Ensure the crown (the base where leaves emerge) sits right at or slightly above the substrate line. Do not bury the stems, as this can choke the plant.