Echinodorus 'Aflame'

Echinodorus 'Aflame' is a high-colour cultivar selected for intense orange-red new growth that deepens through orange to a rich reddish-brown as leaves mature, producing a continuous display of warm autumn-palette tones throughout the rosette. The combination of orange, red, and brown tones at different stages of leaf development creates a multi-hued effect that is particularly dynamic when the plant is actively growing and producing new leaves frequently.

It typically reaches 20–35 cm and is best placed in the midground where its warm tones serve as a colour anchor in the layout. Colour intensity is highly dependent on light and iron availability — without both, the new leaves emerge pale and the characteristic flame-like quality is lost. Strong lighting and generous iron supplementation are therefore important for maximising the display.

The 'Aflame' cultivar is less commonly available than the Ozelot or Rubin series but is sought out by aquascapers working with warm-palette designs where orange-red tones are desired alongside the more common crimson and burgundy sword options.

Light: High (55–85 PAR); essential for the full orange-red flame colouration. CO2: Beneficial (20–30 mg/L); significantly enhances colour intensity and leaf production rate. Fertilisation: Root tabs every 3 months; weekly liquid iron is critical — double-dose during establishment. Placement: Midground focal specimen; plant singly against green background plants for maximum contrast. Propagation: Flower stalks with daughter plants — sever once roots are 2+ cm and 3+ leaves are present.