Red Flame Sword | Echinodorus sp. 'Red Flame'
Red Flame Sword
Scientific Name: Echinodorus "Red Flame"
Common Name: Red Flame Sword, Echinodorus schlueteri x E. barthii hybrid
The Red Flame Sword is easy to keep in the botanical method, blackwater, or biotope aquarium. This variation will provide you with a great red color under the correct conditions, ie, full-spectrum aquarium light and root tab fertilization. If using an inert substrate, like plain sand, it is wise to supplement with root tab fertilizers underneath the plant.
This species of plant thrives best using nutrient-rich soils for substrates, but in the botanical method aquarium, aquasoils are notorious for removing 'the tint'. Therefore, we recommend the use of root tabs in the substrate to help ensure the plant stays healthy/ If not provided with enough nutrients, it can decrease the ability of this plant to spread, so we recommend using root tabs with this species.
*Rapid changes in tank parameters can result in the melting of the plant, just like cryptocorynes
Caring for Red Flame Swords in Blackwater Aquariums
Care Level: Easy
Light: Low-Medium
CO2: Not necessary but can be beneficial
Propagation: Separate the runners from the plant and replant
Tint Tolerance: Low to Medium Levels of Tannins
Native Habitat: South America
All Plants may contain snails or snail eggs. We keep them in all of our tanks for the benefits they provide. Our blackwater aquarium plants are provided by in adherence to their Shipping and DOA Policies. Your curated selection will arrive in their packaging separate from your botanical & merch orders.
Red Flame Sword | Echinodorus sp. 'Red Flame'
contrast the tint with greenery
While the aesthetic appeal of tinted waters can be quite attractive to us, the recreation of nature—which includes both submerged and emersed plants—is the end goal. Flora helps to improve water conditions, feeding patterns, spawning displays, and territory building.
Aquatic Plant FAQs
DOA Policy
Please ensure that you add a heat pack or cold pack to your orders if temperatures in your area are above 90°F or below 40°F. Click for more info on our DOA Policy.
Are these plants duckweed and snail free?
All Plants may contain snails or snail eggs, small macroinvertebrates, and duckweed. We keep them in all of our tanks for the benefits they provide. We have experienced the presence of small snails, ostracods, daphnia, and beneficial detritus worms.
Are your plants only for tinted water conditions?
Nope! All of our plants will grow perfectly in untinted aquariums that have CO2 and aquasoils, or low-tech planted aquariums. Our selection, though, is optimized for emersed plant growth and low- to medium-tinted water environments.
What is your aquatic plant shipping schedule?
We’re a small company and ship Tuesdays & Thursdays only. Orders placed Wednesday–Sunday → Ship Tuesday. Orders placed Monday–Tuesday → Ship Thursday
Are your plants just for bettas?
Nope. Our aquatic plants are safe for almost all aquariums, terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums. Many of our plants can be grown emersed in filter compartments, vivariums, or incorporated into wabikua.
What are Tannins?
Tannins are natural compounds released by leaves, seed pods, and bark as they decompose in water. They soften water, gently lower pH, and create the characteristic tea-stained tint found in blackwater habitats. But their role goes far beyond color—tannins fuel beneficial bacteria, fungi, and biofilms, which form the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. They also offer mild antifungal benefits and help reduce stress in fish by replicating the natural conditions they’ve evolved in. At their core, tannins are plant-derived antioxidants that connect your aquarium to the same processes at work in wild flooded forests and streams.