Red Flame Swords

The Red Flame Sword (Echinodorus schlueteri x E. barthii hybrid) is a breathtaking centerpiece plant for the aquarium.  Its green and red leaves make for a very distinctive appearance, and its tall, large leaves are remarkably noticeable in heavily planted settings.  Best of all, it is extremely undemanding in regards to care requirements.

Care for the Red Flame Sword is very easy.  While it will thrive in high lighting, it is also very durable and can do very well in low to moderate lighting.  It requires nutrient-rich substrate for its extensive root structure.  This plant produces very large leaves, so it must be planted with care to not cast too much shade on other plants as it grows.  It is certainly only suitable for background placement in smaller aquariums, but it can also be placed in the middle ground of larger aquariums.  The Red Flame Sword reproduces through rhizome division as well as by the production of side shoots, which can be removed and replanted.  It is very intolerant of copper, so please keep this in mind if you are using tap water in your aquarium.