St. Elmo’s fire
$9
Description
The St. Elmo’s Fire Sword (Echinodorus sp.) is a vibrant Amazon sword variety known for its intense red new leaves that gradually transition to deep green as they mature. It forms a broad rosette shape and makes a strong, eye-catching centerpiece in medium to large planted aquariums.
Key Features
- Red to burgundy new leaf growth
- Broad, tall sword plant with a bold presence
- Provides natural cover for community fish
- Hardy and fast-growing with proper nutrients
Care Requirements
Lighting
- Medium to high lighting recommended
- Higher light produces stronger red coloration
- Low light results in greener leaves and slower growth
CO₂
- Not required but very beneficial
- CO₂ increases growth rate and intensifies coloration
Substrate
- Prefers nutrient-rich substrates such as aquasoil or dirted tanks
- As a heavy root feeder, it thrives with root tabs added every 4–6 weeks
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- pH: 6.2–7.8
- Suitable for most community tank water conditions
Fertilization
- Root tabs are essential
- Iron supplementation helps maintain the red pigments
- Liquid fertilizers support overall health and new growth
Growth & Maintenance
- Typically grows 8–18 inches tall
- Remove older or damaged leaves as needed
- Requires space to spread its broad foliage
- Can produce emersed flower stalks in open-top setups
Ideal Uses
- Centerpiece plant in midground or background
- Discus, angelfish, ram, and tetra setups
- Amazon-themed aquascapes
- High-light planted tanks and paludarium-style builds