Echinodorus 'Joyo Red Star' is a striking and visually appealing aquatic plant, well-regarded for its vibrant coloration and unique growth habit. As a tissue culture plant, it arrives in pristine condition, ensuring a clean and healthy start for your aquarium. Here’s a detailed overview:
Description
- Appearance: Echinodorus 'Joyo Red Star' is known for its distinctive reddish coloration and star-shaped leaves. The plant features broad, lance-shaped leaves that exhibit vibrant red hues, which can become more intense under high light conditions. The rosette growth form adds a dramatic effect to any aquascape.
- Size: It typically grows to about 20-40 cm (8-16 inches) in height and width, making it suitable for the midground or background of aquariums. Its robust and colorful foliage makes it an effective focal point or backdrop in a tank.
Habitat
- Native Range: Echinodorus 'Joyo Red Star' is a cultivated variant of the Echinodorus species, selected for its unique coloration and appearance. It is not a wild species but a cultivated form bred for aquarium use.
- Natural Habitat: The parent species of Echinodorus plants are native to North and South America, where they grow in a range of aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, and swamps.
Care and Maintenance in Aquariums
- Tank Size: Due to its potential size, Echinodorus 'Joyo Red Star' is best suited for medium to large aquariums. It can serve as a midground or background plant, providing color and texture to the tank.
- Water Parameters: The plant thrives in tropical water conditions with temperatures ranging from 22-28°C (72-82°F) and a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. It prefers soft to moderately hard water but can adapt to a range of water conditions.
- Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is ideal for Echinodorus 'Joyo Red Star' to support healthy growth and vibrant coloration. Aquasoils or other substrates designed for planted tanks work well.
- Tank Setup: The plant does well in moderate to high lighting conditions. High light levels will enhance the intensity of the red coloration, while lower light levels may result in more subdued colors. CO2 supplementation is beneficial for promoting robust growth and maintaining vibrant color, though the plant can adapt to low-tech setups with proper care. Regular dosing with liquid fertilizers, particularly those containing micronutrients, will support the plant’s health.
Growth and Maintenance
- Growth Rate: Echinodorus 'Joyo Red Star' has a moderate to fast growth rate. It will develop into a dense, colorful plant that adds a dramatic effect to the aquarium.
- Propagation: Propagation is typically done by dividing the plant and replanting the individual rosettes or offshoots. New shoots will emerge from the base or side, which can be separated and replanted to spread the plant further across the tank.
- Maintenance: Regular trimming is necessary to maintain the plant’s shape and prevent it from becoming too large or leggy. Removing older or damaged leaves will help keep the plant healthy and promote new growth.
