Echinodorus 'Red Diamond' (Echinodorus 'Red Diamond') care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Amazon sword 'Red Diamond'
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
Cultivar that appeared in Ukraine, probably E. horemanii 'Red' × E. 'Barthii'
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
25 cm
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
3–15 dGH
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium light; medium CO2 (about 6–14 mg/l)

Care

Echinodorus 'Red Diamond' is a cultivar from Ukraine with ruby-red, sword-shaped leaves 15–25 cm long in a rosette 20–30 cm wide. It stays moderate in size for a sword plant. Tropica rates it medium difficulty, with medium light and CO2 needs and medium growth. Good light brings out the ruby colour and a rich substrate gives more abundant growth. It makes a fine solitary plant, even in small tanks. Like other Amazon swords it is a heavy root feeder: plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate and push fertiliser tabs near the roots. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants). Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Echinodorus cultivars are propagated from the plantlets that form on flower stems or runners: let them grow roots, then cut them free and plant them. Large rosettes can also be divided at the rhizome. Cultivars must be propagated vegetatively to stay true.

Compatibility and tank mates

Large cichlids, goldfish and other plant-eaters may damage the leaves, and diggers can uproot young plants. Otherwise a good centrepiece for community tanks; snails may nibble soft new leaves.

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

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