Echinodorus barthii (Echinodorus barthii) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Echinodorus x barthii, Echinodorus 'Double Red', Barthii sword
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
Cultivated hybrid (bred in nurseries); the name is also listed as a synonym of the South American E. uruguayensis
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low light is enough; high light and micronutrients give the best red; CO2 helpful

Care

The plant sold as Echinodorus barthii is a cultivated hybrid sword, which Tropica sells as Echinodorus x barthii (previously sold as 'Double Red'). Wikipedia also lists the name E. barthii as a synonym of the wild Uruguay sword, Aquarius uruguayensis, so the name can mean different things; the trade plant is the hybrid. It is a solitary centrepiece for a large tank, 25–50 cm tall with a rosette 20–30 cm across. Young leaves are dark red and older leaves turn dark green. Prune it now and then so it does not shade plants beneath. Tropica rates it easy, with low light and CO2 needs and medium growth; the red colour is best under strong light with enough micronutrients, and a rich substrate and CO2 help. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodorusuruguayensis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Hybrid swords are propagated from plantlets on the flower stems and by dividing the rhizome; they do not breed true from seed.

Compatibility and tank mates

Sword leaves are fairly tough, but large cichlids, goldfish and other diggers may uproot young plants or chew soft new leaves; root them well. Good with tetras, angelfish, discus and other tropical community fish. Snails may graze old leaves.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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