Red Diamond Sword – Echinodorus ‘Red Diamond’
Red Diamond Sword is a striking freshwater aquarium plant known for its deep ruby-red to burgundy leaves. This beautiful Amazon sword hybrid adds bold color contrast against green aquarium plants, making it an excellent choice for aquascapes that need a colorful centerpiece or background plant.
This hardy sword plant is a great option for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Red Diamond Sword grows best with medium lighting, steady nutrients, and a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs. While CO2 is not required, stronger lighting, consistent fertilization, and optional CO2 can help improve growth and intensify its red coloration.
Key Features
- Ruby-red to burgundy Amazon sword hybrid
- Excellent centerpiece or background aquarium plant
- Adds bold red color contrast to planted tanks
- Hardy and beginner-friendly once established
- Strong root system with proper nutrients
- Safe for shrimp, snails, and peaceful freshwater fish
Plant Care Information
- Scientific Name: Echinodorus ‘Red Diamond’
- Common Name: Red Diamond Sword
- Plant Type: Rosette / sword aquarium plant
- Placement: Midground to background
- Lighting: Medium; higher light enhances red coloration
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Care Level: Easy
- CO2: Not required; optional for faster growth
- Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs recommended
Tank Placement
Red Diamond Sword works best as a midground or background plant in medium to large freshwater aquariums. Its red and burgundy leaves make it a beautiful focal point when placed near bright green plants, driftwood, or natural stone.
This plant can reach approximately 10–16 inches tall, so it should be given enough space for rosette growth. It is best suited for 20-gallon and larger aquariums where it has room to develop a strong root system and fuller leaf growth.
Lighting, CO2 & Nutrients
Red Diamond Sword grows well under medium lighting, but stronger lighting can help bring out deeper red and ruby tones. Lower light setups may produce slower growth or less intense coloration.
CO2 is not required for Red Diamond Sword, making it a good choice for low-tech planted aquariums. However, CO2 can improve growth speed and overall plant health. As a heavy root feeder, this plant benefits greatly from root tabs or a nutrient-rich substrate. Consistent nutrients are important for strong roots, healthy leaves, and vibrant coloration.
Trimming & Maintenance
Remove old, damaged, or melting leaves near the base of the plant to encourage fresh new growth. Once established, Red Diamond Sword will continue producing new leaves from the center of the rosette.
Because this plant develops a strong root system, avoid moving it too often after planting. Keeping it in one stable location allows the roots to establish and helps the plant grow fuller over time.
Best Uses in Aquariums
- Planted freshwater aquariums
- Centerpiece sword plant displays
- Midground to background planting
- Red accent or contrast planting
- Amazon-style aquascapes
- Beginner planted tanks
- Community fish aquariums
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red Diamond Sword good for beginners?
Yes. Red Diamond Sword is a hardy and beginner-friendly aquarium plant when provided with stable water conditions, medium lighting, and root tabs.
Does Red Diamond Sword need CO2?
No. CO2 is not required, but optional CO2 can help improve growth speed, stronger leaves, and deeper red coloration.
Should I use root tabs for Red Diamond Sword?
Yes. Red Diamond Sword is a heavy root feeder, so root tabs or nutrient-rich substrate are highly recommended for healthy growth and better color.
How big does Red Diamond Sword get?
Red Diamond Sword can grow approximately 10–16 inches tall, making it best for medium to larger aquariums.
Is Red Diamond Sword safe for shrimp and fish?
Yes. Red Diamond Sword is safe for shrimp, snails, and freshwater community fish.
Can Red Diamond Sword be kept with cichlids?
Yes, it can work with some cichlid tanks once established. Its strong root system helps it resist light digging, but very aggressive or destructive cichlids may still uproot plants.
Why is my Red Diamond Sword losing its red color?
Lower lighting, limited nutrients, or lack of root feeding can reduce red coloration. Medium to higher light and consistent root fertilization help improve ruby-red and burgundy tones.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Red Diamond Sword is a beautiful red aquarium plant for aquarists looking to add bold color, contrast, and structure to freshwater planted tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or shop online for live aquarium plants, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, and aquarium supplies.
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