Echinodorus "Red Diamond"

Echinodorus 'Red Diamond' is a premium ornamental cultivar selected for intense red pigmentation and prominent contrasting vein structure. The broad, ovate leaves display a vivid scarlet-to-crimson base colour with darker red veins running parallel to the leaf margin, giving each leaf a jewel-like quality. It stays relatively compact at 20–35 cm, making it suitable as a midground showpiece. It is more light-demanding than typical Echinodorus cultivars but responds excellently to CO2 supplementation and rich root nutrition.

Light: High (60+ PAR); insufficient light causes rapid green reversion and poor growth. CO2: Beneficial; injection strongly recommended for best colour and compact leaf form. Fertiliser: Root tabs every 3 months; weekly liquid fertiliser with high iron and full micronutrient profile. Planting: Use as a midground centrepiece; plant singly; expose crown; nutrient-rich substrate preferred. Growth: Compact at 20–35 cm; remove outer leaves as they age and sever daughter plantlets once established.