Tropica Echinodorus 'Reni'

Echinodorus 'Reni' is a cultivated hybrid sword plant produced by Tropica, featuring broad, oval leaves with vivid red-pink spotting and veining over a bright green base. The spotted pattern gives it a uniquely ornate appearance unlike common plain-green sword plants, making it a decorative centerpiece or midground accent in planted aquariums.

Sword plants (Echinodorus) are robust, rosette-forming aquatic plants native to the Americas. 'Reni' is a compact cultivar that stays shorter than many wild species, making it manageable in medium-sized aquariums. Its red-spotted coloration is most vivid under strong light with iron-rich fertilization; in lower light the spots may fade to faint pinkish patches.

Like all Echinodorus, 'Reni' is primarily a root feeder that benefits greatly from rich substrate or root tablets placed near its roots. It is hardy and adaptable, growing without CO2 in a range of water conditions, though CO2 and high light produce the best growth rate and coloration.

The plant may produce flower spikes with adventitious plantlets that can be detached and replanted — an easy propagation method requiring no special effort.

Light: Medium to high light (20–60 PAR). More light enhances red spot intensity. Grows in lower light but with less vivid coloration.

CO2: Not required but beneficial for growth rate and coloration enhancement.

Substrate: Root tabs or nutrient-rich substrate are strongly recommended — Echinodorus are heavy root feeders. Iron supplementation enhances red coloration.

Placement: Midground in medium to large aquariums. A solo specimen as a focal point works well. Compact cultivar suitable for 60+ liter tanks.

Propagation: Flower spikes bear adventitious plantlets that can be detached when roots develop.

Maintenance: Low. Remove yellowing outer leaves regularly. Add root tabs every 3–4 months to maintain nutrition.

Water Parameters: pH 6.0–8.0, temperature 22–30°C. Adaptable.