Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’ Aquarium Plant
Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’ is a bold and colorful hybrid sword plant known for its red, green, and bronze leaves with dark maroon speckling. Its compact rosette growth and fiery new leaves make it one of the most eye-catching sword plants for freshwater planted aquariums.
New leaves often emerge in vibrant red tones before maturing into green-bronze foliage with distinctive dark spotting. This makes Red Flame Sword a beautiful centerpiece, midground feature, or background accent in medium to large aquariums.
Key Features
- Colorful hybrid sword plant with red, green, and bronze foliage
- Dark red to maroon speckling on leaves
- Compact rosette growth habit
- Great centerpiece or background accent plant
- Hardy and adaptable for freshwater planted aquariums
- Root-feeding plant that benefits from nutrient-rich substrate
- Adds vivid color, texture, and contrast to aquascapes
Great For
- Freshwater planted aquariums
- Medium to large tanks
- Centerpiece plant layouts
- Midground and background placement
- Community aquariums
- Low-tech planted tanks
- Aquascapes needing red and bronze color contrast
Care Guidelines
- Scientific Name: Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’
- Common Name: Red Flame Sword
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Light: Medium to High
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Placement: Midground to Background
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- CO2: Not required, but may improve growth
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs recommended
Planting & Maintenance Tips
Plant Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’ directly into the substrate with the roots covered and the crown of the plant above the substrate line. Like most sword plants, Red Flame is a heavy root feeder and performs best with aquarium soil, nutrient-rich substrate, or regular root tab supplementation.
For the brightest red coloration and strongest speckling, provide medium to high lighting and consistent fertilization. Iron-rich root tabs can help support stronger color development. Remove older or damaged leaves near the base to encourage healthy new growth and keep the plant looking clean.
Why Choose Red Flame Sword?
Red Flame Sword is a great choice for aquarists who want a hardy aquarium plant with bold color and unique leaf patterning. Its red new growth and speckled mature leaves create a dynamic look that stands out beautifully against green plants, driftwood, and dark substrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’ grow?
Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’ typically grows around 8–14 inches tall, depending on lighting, nutrients, root space, and overall aquarium conditions. It is best suited for medium to large aquariums.
Does Red Flame Sword need CO2?
No. CO2 is not required. Red Flame Sword can grow well in low-tech aquariums when provided with good lighting, stable conditions, and strong root nutrition.
Why are the red spots fading?
Fading color or reduced spotting may happen when lighting is too low or nutrients are limited. Stronger lighting, stable fertilization, and iron-rich root tabs can help support brighter color and more pronounced speckling.
Can Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’ grow emersed?
Yes. Like many sword plants, Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’ can grow emersed in humid conditions and may produce small flowers above the water when mature.
Is Red Flame Sword good for beginners?
Yes. Red Flame Sword is hardy and adaptable, making it a good choice for beginners who can provide adequate lighting, root tabs or nutrient-rich substrate, and stable aquarium conditions.
Is Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’ safe for shrimp and snails?
Yes. Red Flame Sword is safe for freshwater shrimp, snails, and peaceful community fish when grown in a properly maintained aquarium.
Shop Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’ at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’ is a colorful hybrid sword plant for freshwater planted aquariums, community tanks, and medium to large aquascapes. Shop live aquarium plants, freshwater fish, shrimp, and planted tank supplies at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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