Cultivar raised by the Dennerle nursery (no wild range)
Overview
Echinodorus Red Chameleon is an easy, compact sword for the midground.
Did you know
Echinodorus Red Chameleon shows red-tinted leaves even in its emersed form, grown out of the water. Dennerle's Echinodorus 'Green Chameleon' does not.
Caring for Echinodorus Red Chameleon
Plant Echinodorus Red Chameleon in a nutrient-rich substrate or over root tabs under the crown, and keep the crown above the substrate. It feeds through its roots and its leaves, so regular liquid fertilization helps too.
Light intensity sets the color, so the rosette works as a rough light meter for the tank. Medium light keeps it green-bronze. Strong light pulls the central leaves dark red and makes the rosette more compact. It grows without injected CO2, but the breeder recommends a steady supply for full growth.
It handles 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C) and a pH of 5 to 8, and it stays around 30 cm. Trade pots arrive in emersed form and convert to underwater leaves after planting. Remove tired outer leaves at the base. New plants come from the plantlets on its flower stalk.
Good to know
Echinodorus Red Chameleon belongs to the family Alismataceae. The Dennerle nursery raised it as the smaller counterpart to its Echinodorus 'Green Chameleon'.
In the wild
Echinodorus Red Chameleon is a nursery cultivar with no wild range. The genus behind it comes from the wetlands of the Americas. There, swords grow rooted in soft mud through emersed and submersed phases.
Common questions
Does Echinodorus Red Chameleon need to be planted in the substrate?
Yes. Bury the roots and leave the crown, where the leaves join, just above the substrate.
Does Echinodorus Red Chameleon need CO2?
No, but it helps. Echinodorus Red Chameleon can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.
How much light does Echinodorus Red Chameleon need?
Echinodorus Red Chameleon wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.
Does Echinodorus Red Chameleon need root tabs?
They help. Echinodorus Red Chameleon takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.
How do you propagate Echinodorus Red Chameleon?
Echinodorus Red Chameleon propagates by plantlets. Small plantlets form on the plant and can be detached once they have a few roots.
How tall does Echinodorus Red Chameleon grow?
Echinodorus Red Chameleon grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.
Low lightMidground7.9 in (20 cm)
Medium lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)
High lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)
Medium lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)