Echinodorus x 'Barthii' - Immersed Potted Plant

Echinodorus × 'Barthii' (Commonly sold as "Rose Sword" and "Barthii Sword") is a striking red sword renowned for its bold, arching leaves and dependable growth. A true statement plant, it develops broad rosettes with copper-red to deep burgundy tones that intensify under good light and nutrition. Hardy and adaptable, it suits medium to large aquariums where a dramatic background or off-centre focal point is desired.

Physical characteristics

• Height & spread: Typically 35–60 cm tall, 25–40 cm wide (larger in rich substrates).

• Form: Dense rosette with long, lanceolate leaves; new leaves emerge reddish and darken with age.

• Colour & texture: Copper, ruby or wine-red with a satin sheen; greener in lower light.

Aquarium requirements

• Lighting: Moderate–high brings out red tones and compact form; will tolerate moderate light once established.

• CO₂: Not essential, but added CO₂ improves vigour, colour and leaf size.

• Water: 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; enjoys clean, well-filtered, stable conditions.

• Nutrition: Heavy root feeder—thrives in nutrient-rich substrate (aquasoil/mineralised soil). In inert sand/gravel, use root tabs regularly. Maintain a balanced water-column regime with adequate iron/trace to prevent pale growth.

Planting instructions

• Plant deeply enough to cover the roots but keep the crown above the substrate to avoid rot.

• Provide space so mature leaves don’t crush neighbouring plants or hardscape.

Care & maintenance

• Remove older outer leaves by cutting close to the crown to keep the rosette tidy.

• Fertilise the root zone every 6–8 weeks in inert substrates.

• In rich conditions it may send emersed flower stalks; you can let them develop (for plantlets) or trim for neatness.

Propagation

• Produces adventitious plantlets along inflorescence stalks. Detach and replant when plantlets show several leaves and visible roots.

• Occasional basal offshoots can also be divided and replanted.

Aquascaping use

• Excellent background specimen or centrepiece in medium/large tanks (90 cm+).

• The broad red foliage gives instant contrast beside fine green stems, bright carpets (e.g., Monte Carlo, Eleocharis) and pale stone.

• Provides shelter and sight-line breaks for shy fish and fry.

Common challenges & tips

• Greening / washed-out colour: Increase light gradually and ensure iron/trace availability; keep nitrates and potassium adequate.

• Crown rot: Never bury the crown.

• Algae on broad leaves: Improve flow, reduce organics, keep light/CO₂ stable, and remove affected leaves.

• Overshadowing: Periodic leaf thinning preserves light to plants beneath.

Echinodorus ×'Barthii' is a dependable, high-impact red sword that delivers lush growth and rich colour with a fertile root zone, moderate–high light and steady care. Give it space and good nutrition, and it will reward you with a dramatic, long-lived focal point in any planted aquarium.

Origin
Country or continent where a plant is the most common. Cultivars arise or are bred in cultivation.

Growth Rate
Growth rate of the plant compared to other aquatic plants.

Height
Average height (cm) of the plant after two months in the tank.

Light Demand
The average or medium light demand of an aquarium plant is 0.5 W/L.

CO2 Demand
A medium need in CO2 is 6-14 mg/L. A high demand in CO2 is approx. 15-25 mg/L.