Echinodorus Red Rubin

Echinodorus 'Red Rubin', also sold in the trade as 'Rubin', is a large sword plant hybrid bred for the aquarium. New leaves are deep red or wine-colored; as they age they turn reddish brown and olive green. This color transition gives the plant a lively look. In the aquarium it can reach 30–50 cm in height and the same width.

It is easy to care for, but because of its size it is suitable for aquariums of at least 100–120 liters. In small aquariums it soon overshadows the other plants.

• Bury the roots completely, leaving the crown exposed.
• Its roots are strong and extensive; provide at least 6–8 cm of substrate and place a root tab under the roots.
• Plant it in the background or, in large aquariums, on its own as a focal plant, leaving plenty of space around it.

• Light: Medium. In low light the leaves turn green and the stalks lengthen.
• CO₂: Not required; red tones and growth rate increase noticeably with CO₂.
• Fertilizer: A root tab once a month; a liquid fertilizer containing iron supports the red color.
• Trimming: Cut old leaves in the outer ring off at the base. You can also remove leaves that stretch toward the surface trying to grow above the water.

It forms plantlets on the flower stalk. If the stalk is kept underwater, the plantlets root there; when they have opened a few leaves, they are cut off and planted. It can also be propagated by dividing the rhizome; each piece must have leaves and roots.

• Color fading: insufficient light or iron.
• Small, pale new leaves: root nutrients are depleted; replace the root tabs.
• Algae on old leaves: prune the slowly renewing outer leaves; keep the photoperiod at 8 hours a day.