A wonderful addition to any aquarium, the Rubra Echinodorus is especially appealing to people who value the beauty of tiny, vivid plants. This plant, which is prized for its tiny size and rich red colors, adds grace and vibrancy to watery scenes. Because of its small size, it’s perfect for nano tanks or larger setups where it can be used as a foreground plant.
Not only is this plant aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also low maintenance, which makes it an excellent choice for novice and expert aquarists alike. It needs little care because of its slow growth rate and ability to flourish in a range of water conditions. Rubra Echinodorus will thrive and keep its eye-catching color with the correct lighting and sporadic nutrients.
Rubra Echinodorus can completely change the underwater scenery in your aquarium, giving your fish and other aquatic creatures a visually stimulating habitat. This little plant is a delightful option that offers beauty and simplicity, whether you’re creating a new setup or improving an old one.
Plant Name | Rubra Echinodorus |
Size | Small and compact, ideal for nano aquariums |
Light Requirements | Moderate to high light |
Water Temperature | 22-28°C (72-82°F) |
Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
Suitable for Beginners | Yes, easy to care for |
- Characteristics
- Distribution
- Growing and care
- Water parameters
- Lighting requirements
- Soil requirements
- Demanding of fertilizers
- Reproduction
- Video on the topic
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- Live aquarium plant Echinodorus Tender meristem
Characteristics
The aquarium plant known as Rubble echinodorus is a bush. Typically, the maximum height is no more than 10 cm. There is only one mutation in the plant, and it has many blade-shaped, pointed leaves instead of a stem.
In fact, a rubble echinodorus resembles a regular Tenellus echinodorus (gentle). It can be identified by its reddish-purple foliage and noticeably smaller leaves that are only 3-5 mm in width. There is a noticeable line in the center of the rubra leaf that changes color in response to outside elements like temperature and lighting brightness. In optimal lighting conditions, the line appears pinkish-red; in inadequate lighting, it takes on a green hue.
Growing Echinodorus rubra in the aquarium’s middle ground and foreground is ideal. The plant creates a stunning color accent, contrasts beautifully with other members of the flora’s green foliage, and inspires creative compositions and design ideas.
Distribution
Echinodorus is a member of the Chastukhovye (Alismataceae) family. These plants are typically found in the Western Hemisphere, ranging from Argentina’s territory to the central region of the United States.
Because Echinodorus thrives in freshwater environments, it can be successfully bred in aquarium settings. The plant thrives in clear, shallow reservoirs that are close to the surface, such as lakes and rivers.
Echinodorus can only be found in transparent reservoirs with continuous water renewal from subsurface springs or currents because it is extremely sensitive to the quality and purity of the water.
The plant is unique in that it can alter the foliage’s color and brightness based on the surrounding illumination. The echinodorus will have a vibrant, eye-catching color if it is actively saturated in sunlight in the water where it grows. The plant’s foliage fades and becomes pale on cloudy days. The water’s temperature has an impact on the color as well; as the water gets colder, the plant’s color intensity decreases.
Growing and care
The plant Echinodorus rubra is humble and not irrational. In contrast to its related green form of Echinodorus, it requires only the most basic conditions to grow and develop.
This plant works really well for aquascaping because of its small size. Rubras can reproduce quickly through lateral shoots, and these shoots are typically quite long. As a result, they occasionally need to be clipped in order to prevent the plant from encircling the entire aquarium.
Because Echinodorus leaves are thin, a dense "carpet" will not hold up; the bushes will always be "transparent." However, this is also a benefit: you can use the rubra’s reddish hue as an accent to create unique compositions.
Even in unfavorable environments, such as with little light, no fertilizer, and bare sandy soil, the plant can grow. However, under these circumstances, it will shrink and only reach a height of 5 cm.
Water parameters
The water temperature where Echinodorus rubra is bred can vary from +18 to +30 °C, which is a fairly wide range. But between 22 and 27 °C is when the plant feels most at ease. Water hardness between 4 and 10 °C is ideal; it should ideally be closer to the upper limit. Old Echinodorus leaves wither away quickly in overly soft water.
Water that is neutral and slightly alkaline—that is, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5—feels good to echinodorus. Regular water changes of 30–40% should be performed once a week.
Echinodorus takes calcium from the water and stores it in its leaves when there is not enough CO2. This is detrimental to the aquarium’s overall ecology as well as the plant. Consequently, a steady supply of CO2 is required.
The plant requires clear, clean water, so it’s critical to keep an eye on the filtration and aeration levels. The aquarium’s water shouldn’t "bloom" or become stagnant.
Lighting requirements
For Echinodorus, medium- or medium-bright lighting is required. The "sunrise-zenith-sunset" light cycle is preferred by the plant in a mixed light source. LED spotlights, fluorescent lights, and intricate light panels can all be used to create this.
The aquarium’s actual volume and the plants that inhabit it have a direct impact on the lamps’ power. More light is required the more plants there are shading the Echinodorus.
The daylight hours last for ten to twelve hours. The length of the daylight hours decreases with increasing lighting power.
Soil requirements
The ideal substrate for rubra is coarse sand. It is sufficient to have a 2-3 cm soil layer. The plant’s root system will grow well in such soil.
Additional mineral additives can be skipped when planting in fresh soil because the silt that gradually accumulates will provide adequate nutrition. Only in an aquarium that is heavily planted with other plants is mineral feeding required.
Aquarists who wish to create a lush, natural environment without taking up too much space will find that Rubra Echinodorus is a charming miniature aquarium plant that adds a splash of vibrant color to small tanks. This hardy plant is easy to maintain, fits in well with a variety of water types, and improves the overall look of any aquarium with its deep red leaves, which create a striking contrast to the green foliage.
Demanding of fertilizers
Echinodorus rubra can grow well without additional fertilizers, but it will reproduce more quickly and have a brighter color when it has minerals. Liquid fertilizers or root tablets work well for rubra.
Reproduction
Echinodorus rubra procreates expeditiously. Typically, a bush produces two to three tendrils, which sprout new plants rapidly. One can detach such a mustache from its mother bush and transplant it to a different location. The rubra will form a dense thicket in a few months if conditions are right.
A great option for aquarists who want to add color to their tanks without taking over the entire area is Rubra Echinodorus. It stands out due to its small size and vivid red colors, making it ideal for smaller aquariums or larger arrangements where it can serve as an accent plant.
In addition to being gorgeous, this plant requires little maintenance, making it suitable for novice and expert aquarists alike. The nutrient-rich substrate and proper lighting are essential for the growth and preservation of Rubra Echinodorus’ remarkable appearance.
Rubra Echinodorus adds a touch of elegance and charm to aquascapes, whether you’re going for a more decorative or natural look. It is an excellent addition to any freshwater aquarium due to its adaptability and low maintenance requirements.