Echinodorus 'Harbich Red'

Echinodorus 'Harbich Red' is a large European cultivar bearing broad, oval-to-lance-shaped leaves in deep red with pronounced, contrasting venation that accentuates the leaf structure. It is named after the German aquarist and plant breeder Kaspar Harbich, who contributed significantly to Echinodorus cultivar development in Europe. Mature plants can reach 25–45 cm, placing it among the larger red sword cultivars and making it best suited to midground or background positions in medium-to-large tanks.

The red colouration is deep and rich, tending toward burgundy on mature leaves and becoming brighter red on younger central growth. This makes Harbich Red one of the more imposing red swords available, as its larger leaf size amplifies the visual impact of the colour. Like most red cultivars, iron availability and light intensity are the main determinants of colour quality.

It is a reliable and relatively undemanding cultivar that performs well in a wide range of tropical community tanks and is particularly effective as a colour anchor in South American biotope setups.

Light: Medium to high (45–75 PAR); higher light maintains the deepest red across all leaves. CO2: Beneficial (15–25 mg/L); improves growth rate and sustains colour under medium light. Fertilisation: Root tabs every 3 months; weekly liquid iron is critical for colour quality. Placement: Midground to background; allow 20 cm clearance; plant singly as a specimen. Propagation: Flower stalks with daughter plants — sever once roots and 3+ leaves are established.