Echinodorus ‘Fantastic Color’ is a beautiful sword plant known for its constantly changing foliage and impressive range of colors. New leaves can emerge in shades of red, copper, bronze, and reddish-brown, gradually transitioning toward olive and green as they mature. The combination of young and mature leaves gives established plants a striking multi-coloured appearance.
With its broad, upright foliage and substantial size, Fantastic Color makes an excellent centerpiece or background plant in medium to large aquariums. Like most Echinodorus, it develops a strong root system and benefits greatly from a nutrient-rich substrate or regular root-tab fertilization. CO₂ is not required, although good lighting, nutrients, and supplemental CO₂ can encourage stronger growth and more vibrant coloration.
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Lighting: Medium to High
CO₂: Not required, but beneficial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Placement: Midground / Background
Height: Approximately 25–45+ cm (10–18+ in)
Propagation: Adventitious plantlets / flower stalks
Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
Note: Echinodorus are frequently grown emersed at commercial nurseries. After planting underwater, some existing leaves may yellow or melt as the plant adapts. New submerged leaves will develop with a different shape and often more pronounced coloration.