Echinodorus “Red Flame”

Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’, commercial name Echinodorus ‘Red Flame’. It is a breeding form of Echinodorus ocelot. It was bred by Hans Barth (Dessau, Germany) in the late 1990s and was first commercially available in 1998.

The plant forms a compact bush of large oval-shaped leaves collected in a rosette with slightly wavy edges. In a submerged position, they reach 10–20 cm in length and 3–5 cm wide. Taking into account the size of the petioles, the plant can grow up to 40 cm. Old and fully developed leaves have a rich red color with greenish veins. The swaying of the bushes of this plant in the water remotely resembles flames, thanks to which the breeders gave the name to this variety.

Echinodorus “Red Flame” also feels great in open, wet greenhouses. However, in the air it differs markedly from the underwater form. The plant grows up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are green with barely visible red dots.

It is considered quite capricious when grown at home. Needs nutrient-rich soil, warm slightly acidic soft water. However, echinodorus can adapt to other pH and dGH values. The intensity of the red color of the leaves depends on the degree of illumination – the higher, the brighter the colors. It is also recommended to supply carbon dioxide.