Description
Echinodorus sp. Rose (Rose Sword)
Overview
Echinodorus sp. ‘Rose’ is a striking hybrid sword plant popular in the aquarium trade for its vibrant green leaves with pinkish-red new growth, creating a rosette shape. This freshwater plant, part of the Echinodorus genus, is prized for its aesthetic appeal and moderate growth rate, making it suitable for midground or background placement in aquariums. It typically grows to 25-50 cm in height and width, depending on conditions, and thrives in a range of setups, from low to high-tech tanks.
Care Requirements
Lighting: Moderate to high lighting (30-50 µmol PAR) promotes vibrant colors and robust growth. Low light results in slower growth and less vivid coloration.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 20-28°C
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Hardness: 3-15 dGH
Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate (e.g., aqua soil or gravel with root tabs) is ideal, as Echinodorus ‘Rose’ is a heavy root feeder. A minimum substrate depth of 4-5 cm supports root development.
Nutrients: Requires iron, potassium, and trace elements. Liquid fertilizers or root tabs enhance growth, especially in low-nutrient substrates.
CO2: Not essential but benefits from supplemental CO2 (10-20 ppm) for faster growth and larger leaves.
Tank Requirements: Suitable for tanks 40 litres and up, though larger tanks (80+ litres) allow full growth potential.
Planting and Propagation
Planting: Plant the crown (where roots meet leaves) just above the substrate to prevent rot. Ensure roots are spread out and buried in nutrient-rich substrate. Avoid burying the crown too deep.
Propagation: Echinodorus ‘Rose’ propagates via adventitious plantlets or runners:
- Runners: The plant produces long stalks with small plantlets. Once plantlets develop roots and leaves, they can be gently separated and replanted.
- Division: In mature plants, the rhizome can be divided with a sharp, sterile knife, ensuring each section has roots and leaves. Replant divisions immediately.
Placement: Ideal as a focal point in midground or background due to its size and rosette growth. Space plants 15-20cm apart to avoid crowding.
Maintenance
- Trimming: Remove yellowing or damaged leaves at the base with sharp scissors to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.
- Cleaning: Gently rinse leaves during water changes to remove algae or debris.
- Nutrient Management: Add root tabs every 2-3 months and dose liquid fertilizers weekly in low-nutrient setups. Monitor for nutrient deficiencies (e.g., yellowing leaves indicate nitrogen or iron deficiency).
- Water Changes: Perform 25-50% water changes weekly to maintain water quality and prevent algae growth on leaves.
Challenges and Tips
Challenges:
- Melting: New plants may shed leaves due to acclimation stress. Maintain stable water parameters and provide adequate nutrients to minimize melting.
- Algae Growth: Excessive light or nutrient imbalances can cause algae on leaves. Reduce light duration (8-10 hours daily) or adjust nutrient dosing.
- Slow Growth: In low-light or nutrient-poor setups, growth may stall. Supplement with root tabs or increase lighting.
Tips:
- Use a nutrient-rich substrate like ADA Aqua Soil or add root tabs for optimal growth.
- Pair with fish like tetras or rasboras that won’t disturb roots. Avoid large cichlids that may uproot plants.
If leaves grow too tall and reach the surface, trim older leaves to maintain tank aesthetics. - Monitor for pests like snails; remove manually or use snail-eating fish like loaches.
Recommendation
- Beginner-Friendly: Echinodorus ‘Rose’ is moderately easy to care for, making it suitable for aquarists with some experience. Beginners should ensure proper substrate and lighting.
- Tank Setup: Best in planted tanks with nutrient-rich substrates and moderate lighting. Combines well with smaller foreground plants like Cryptocoryne or Anubias for contrast.
- Aesthetic Use: Its pinkish-red new leaves add a pop of color, making it a great centerpiece or background plant in aquascapes.
- Complementary Equipment: Consider a full-spectrum LED light and a CO2 injection system for optimal growth in high-tech setups.
