Echinodorus 'Reni' (Amazon Sword) - Plant

Echinodorus ‘Reni’ is a compact and colourful sword plant prized for its rich red, bronze, and reddish-brown leaves. Its smaller size and intense colouration make it an excellent focal point for midground placement in planted aquariums, especially where a bold red accent is wanted without the size of larger Amazon swords.

Compared to traditional green Echinodorus species, ‘Reni’ develops far stronger red tones and remains much more compact. It is also smaller and tidier than many large sword plants such as Bleheri or Amazonicus, making it easier to use in medium-sized aquascapes. Under stronger lighting and nutrient-rich conditions, the leaves develop deeper red and burgundy shades with improved contrast and density.

Like most sword plants, Echinodorus ‘Reni’ is a heavy root feeder and performs best in nutrient-rich substrate or with regular root tab supplementation. Medium to high lighting will improve colour intensity, while stable CO₂ injection and regular fertilisation encourage healthier growth, larger leaves, and fuller rosette formation. Rosette plants are valued for their structure and ability to create strong visual anchors within aquascapes. 

Echinodorus ‘Reni’ is generally easy to maintain once established and works particularly well in nature aquariums, community planted tanks, and layouts needing compact red contrast.

Plant the Echinodorus directly into the substrate. A transition period will occur if planting emersed plants, and new underwater leaves will sprout. Roots can be trimmed shorter too for ease of planting, and will regrow quickly. It is a heavy root feeder, aqua soil and/or root tabs are recommended for fuller growth. High lighting will enhance leaf colouration, and CO₂ will promote larger and faster development.

This plant will reproduce naturally. In the first step of the process, it will grow a flower stalk and then flower. Keep stalk submerged, and plantlets will develop on flower stalks. Cut away mature plantlets once large enough and has developed own roots, and replant them in the substrate.