Plant atlas

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Echinodorus 'Red Devil' is a modern horticultural hybrid introduced to the aquarium trade by the German breeder Tomas Kaliebe. It is a patented variety, born from complex greenhouse crossings, and has no counterpart in natural environments. The botanical parents belong to the genus Echinodorus, native to the tropical river systems of the Americas. 'Red Devil' was selected specifically to combine a very contained size and an intense, long-lasting red pigmentation, ideal for modern aquascaping.

Taxonomy & Genetics: It belongs to the family Alismataceae and is a selected cultivated hybrid. Its stabilized genetics exhibit a strong expression of anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for red

Color & Texture: ation. Unlike many other red hybrids that grow enormously, 'Red Devil' maintains a compact size inherited from selected genetic lines. As a registered hybrid, it is propagated only vegetatively by division or tissue culture.

Physical Structure: It develops an erect and exceptionally compact rosette, with a submerged height that rarely exceeds 15-20 cm. The submerged leaves are narrowly lanceolate, almost linear, supported by short and robust petioles that keep the clump very dense. The root system, although in proportion to the small size of the plant, is strong and capable of colonizing the adjacent substrate to absorb nutrients.

Color & Texture: New leaves emerging from the center of the rosette display a spectacular dark ruby-red or brilliant blood-red coloration. This coloration is preserved extraordinarily well even as the leaves age, taking on a reddish-brown or bronze-olive hue, maintaining a strong color contrast against other green plants. The leaf blade has a leathery texture and a matte surface, with fine but clear longitudinal veins.

Lighting & CO2: Requires medium to high lighting. To develop and maintain the intense ruby-red color, it is essential to provide good light intensity; otherwise, the plant will tend to produce greener leaves and the petioles will stretch. CO2 injection is highly recommended to promote compact development and robust leaves, although the plant is relatively tolerant.

Nutrition & Substrate: It is a heavy feeder of iron and root nutrients. Needs a fertile substrate enriched with slow-release fertilizer tabs inserted regularly near the root system (every 2-3 months). Liquid fertilization of the

Water Chemistry: Tolerates a wide temperature range, between 15°C and 30°C. Adapts to acidic or neutral pH, between 5.0 and 7.0, and water hardness from soft to medium (KH 1-12 dKH). Benefits from regular water changes to keep the environment healthy and free of harmful accumulations.

Space Management & Placement: Its ideal placement is in the midground of the aquarium. Thanks to its compactness and extraordinary red coloration, it serves as a superb solitary focal point or in small groups. It is also perfect for medium-sized aquariums or medium-low tanks where other Amazon swords would be too large.

Pruning: Pruning consists simply of cutting the oldest or damaged outer leaves near the base of the rhizome with sharp scissors. This promotes leaf replacement with new red central leaves and improves light and water circulation within the dense clump.

Risks & Diseases: It is sensitive to iron chlorosis, which causes immediate yellowing or transparency of the new leaves in the center of the rosette. The thick, moderately growing leaves can be prone to colonization by black brush algae or green spot algae in case of nutrient imbalances or fluctuations in CO2 levels.