Description
Echinodorus 'Reni'
Add vibrant warm tones to your aquascape with Echinodorus 'Reni', a compact and colorful sword plant prized for its deep reddish to bronze-toned foliage and bushy growth habit. As one of the most vibrant varieties of Echinodorus, it forms a beautiful rosette of broad, slightly ruffled leaves. New foliage typically emerges bright red before gradually darkening to deep maroon or olive green, making it a top-tier choice for introducing bold color, contrast, and texture to planted aquariums.
Unlike larger sword plant species, 'Reni' stays relatively small (around 15–30 cm in height). This ultra-adaptable cultivar is well-suited for midground or background placement in medium-sized aquariums, or as a striking focal point in nano tanks. It is easy to maintain, adapts easily to low-to-medium lighting, and grows well without CO₂—making it a perfect addition for beginner aquascapers, low-tech setups, or spacious community tanks looking for a lush, visually stunning scape.
Plant Profile & Specifications
-
Genus: Echinodorus
-
Species: 'Reni'
-
Family: Alismataceae
-
Origin: Cultivar
-
Care Level: Easy (Beginner-friendly)
-
Placement: Background / Midground
-
Light: Low to Medium
-
Temperature: 15–30°C
-
pH Range: 5.0–8.0
-
Water Hardness: Medium to Hard
-
CO2 Requirements: Optional (0–20 mg/L)
-
Growth Rate: Medium
-
Height: 15–30 cm
-
Propagation: Baby plants (Adventitious plantlets on flower stems)
Tips for Success & Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is Echinodorus 'Reni' suitable for low-tech tanks? Yes, it grows well without CO₂ and adapts easily to low-to-medium lighting.
-
How big does Echinodorus 'Reni' get? It reaches around 15–30 cm in height, remaining significantly smaller and more manageable than most traditional sword plants.
-
How do I get the deepest red colouration? Use a nutrient-rich substrate, provide moderate lighting, and consider iron fertilisation along with general nutrient dosing to enhance deep leaf pigmentation.
-
Will it grow in gravel? Yes, but it thrives best in a nutrient-rich substrate or when provided with root tabs, as it is a heavy root feeder.
