Echinodorus Dschungelstar Nr. 2 'Kleiner Bär'

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Echinodorus Dschungelstar Nr. 2 'Kleiner Bär' (commonly known as 'Little Bear') is a cultivated hybrid of horticultural origin bred in Germany by Tomas Kaliebe of the renowned aquatic plant farm Zoologica. It does not exist in the wild as a wild species, but its ancestral relatives belong to the Amazon River basin in South America. It was specifically selected for submerged cultivation in the aquarium, combining intense leaf

Color & Texture: s with a compact size suitable for tanks of various dimensions.

Taxonomy & Genetics: It belongs to the Alismataceae family, genus Echinodorus. It is a registered hybrid complex within the 'Dschungelstar' (Jungle Star) selection line. Genetically, it derives from selective crosses in which the wild components of Echinodorus uruguayensis and Echinodorus barthii provided the purple coloration and leaf shape. The stability of its cultivar ensures the maintenance of its dwarf habit and dark red color when kept under appropriate cultural conditions.

Physical Structure: It features a bushy and compact rosette structure, which rarely exceeds 30 cm in height and width. The submerged leaves are lanceolate or elliptic, supported by short, sturdy petioles arising from a knotty rhizome. It possesses a vigorous and dense root system, consisting of fleshy white roots that expand to absorb nutrients from the substrate and stabilize the plant.

Color & Texture: The leaves display extraordinary color shades: young leaves emerging from the center of the rosette are a rust-red or intense wine-red color. Over time and as the leaf blade matures, the tones gradually turn toward a dark olive-green or bronze. The leaf texture is slightly leathery and waxy to the touch, with parallel veins (usually 3 to 5) that are well-marked, enhancing the color contrast.

Lighting & CO2: Requires moderate to high lighting to express its intense red coloration to the fullest. Under low light, the plant survives well, but the leaves tend to turn olive-green, losing the red tones and stretching the petioles. CO2 injection (15-25 mg/L) is highly recommended to promote robust growth and prevent stagnation.

Nutrition & Substrate: Requires a rich and deep substrate (at least 6 cm) due to its predominantly root-based nutrient uptake. The use of fertile aquasoil combined with the regular insertion of iron and trace element tablets near the base is recommended. Liquid column fertilization prevents chlorosis and helps keep the leaves healthy.

Water Chemistry: Very adaptable and tolerant, it thrives in water with pH between 5.0 and 7.5 and KH hardness from 0 to 21 dKH. The ideal temperature ranges between 10°C and 30°C, making it suitable even for unheated temperate aquariums. Chemical-physical stability encourages steady development.

Space Management & Placement: Thanks to its compact size of 30 cm, it is excellent as a solitary plant in the midground of medium to large aquariums, or in the background of nano-aquariums. Position it away from driftwood or rocks that could shade it, ensuring an optimal light cone to maintain the red coloration.

Pruning: Maintenance is moderate. Pruning consists of cutting older, deteriorated outer leaves, or those that have lost their original red color, close to the rhizome with sturdy scissors. This stimulates the plant to constantly produce new red center shoots.

Risks & Diseases: It is a hardy plant, but iron deficiency quickly manifests as translucent or chlorotic leaves. The young red leaves, being tender and rich in sugars, can be eaten by herbivorous fish (like Plecostomus) or plant-eating snails. Poor water circulation can encourage black beard algae on the leaf edges.