Echinodorus Bleherae Amazonicus (POT)
Echinodorus Bleherae from tropical South America is one of the most known and popular aquarium plants. Cultivated for many years, it was first introduced under the misapplied name "Echinodorus paniculatus", later it was called Echinodorus bleheri for a long time. Its leaves are wider (3-6 cm) than those of E. grisebachii 'Amazonicus' and up to 60 cm long, lending the plant a more dominant appearance. It is mostly delivered in its terrestrial form, with longer leaf stalks and shorter leaf blades (see the photo). After planting into the aquarium, it will develop much more elongate, short stalked submerged leaves.
Echinodorus ‘Fancy Curl’ (POT)
Echinodorus Fancy Curl is a popular type of Amazon Sword that has leaves ranging from bright green to blood red. Like most swords, they should be planted directly into the substrate. When using inert substrates such as sand or gravel, it is important to supplement the plants with root tabs as Echinodorus are heavy root feeders. The plant can be grown both emersed and submerged and often times, new leaves can grow to the top above the water line.
Anubias Lanceolata
Anubias Lanceolata, like any other Anubias is an extremely easy plant to grow and can survive a wide range of water parameters. The leaves are slender and sharp unlike the round leaves of Anubias Barteri or Anubias Nana. Like other Anubias plants it can grow in both aquariums and terrariums either submerged or emersed.
Anubias Lanceolata is a flowering plant that grows best when the rhizome is attached to a hard surface such as wood or stones. They have low to medium light requirements and can benefit from regular fertilization. CO2 is not necessary but can promote faster growth and more robust leaves. Since its a slow grower, the leaves are susceptible to algae growth if placed under high lighting.
Alternanthera Reineckii (POT)
Alternanthera Reineckii is a popular choice for beginners due to the fact that its pretty easy to grow. Most red stem plants can prove difficult to get that vibrant red color without providing high CO2 and micronutrients. This plant can stay vibrant red with relative ease but if nutrients and lighting are severely lacking, the leaves can dull out to an orange hue.
It prefers high nitrates and high phosphates so dosing fertilizers such as UNS Plant Food will help speed up growth and keep coloration at its best.
Rotala Wallichii
Rotala Rotundifolia ‘Blood Red’
Rotala rotundifolia' Blood red' belongs to the Lythraceae family and is native to Southeast China. True to its name, the intense red color of the leaves is what makes it extremely attractive among aquatic plants. Even though 'Rotala' means 'plant with round leaves,' this variety is an exception due to long and narrow leaf patterns. The plant is bushy and has 15 to 30 long stems that are 2 to 3 cm wide. Since it attains a bushy structure, regular pruning is necessary to allow light to reach the lower leaves.
Unlike most other Rotala species, 'blood red' is undemanding. All it requires is high light conditions to bring flashy red color to its leaves. It is a fast-growing aquatic plant, suitable as a mid-ground or background plant. It brings stunning contrast with other green species in the tank and performs well under good water conditions. Rotala rotundifolia' Blood red' can be propagated through head cuttings or side shoots.
Limnophila Aromatica Mini
Limnophila Aromatica Mini is a beautiful plant. It is much like the full size limnophila aromatica, even producing the same pleasant scent, but with much more compact growth. This plant can produce red and orange hues on the top leaves in stronger lighting. It has serrated edges that give a great texture look. Works well as a bush or background plant.
Gratiola Viscidula
Gratiola Viscidula is a relatively new aquatic plant in the hobby that hails from North America. Its leaves make the plant easily recognized and are almost thorn-like with a light green coloration. Gratiola Viscidula is an easy aquarium plant so long as clean water and good lighting are provided. It's also a slow grower, but in time can be used as a midground plant or even a foreground plant if kept trimmed low enough.
Cryptocoryne Gecko
Cryptocoryne Wendtii Green Gecko is a captivating variant of the common Wendtii Green Cryptocoryne. It showcases a rich emerald hue with lush, slender leaves that will enhance the visual allure of your aquascape. Each leaf is adorned with subtle veins, adding a touch of intricacy to its appearance. The striking contrast of the lush green against an aquarium backdrop makes it a versatile choice for aquascapers seeking to craft visually stunning and harmonious underwater landscapes.
Like other Crypts, it grows at a moderate rate and can be grown both submerged and emerged. To propagate, simply cut off new plantlets growing from the rhizome.
Cryptocoryne Pygmi
Cryptocoryne Pygmi is a beautiful selection for Cryptocoryne fans. This particular species of Cryptocoryne is relatively rare and not commonly available within the aquarium hobby. Contrary to its name, Cryptocoryne Pygmaea is a small to medium-sized Cryptocoryne species that features simple green leaves and a classic Cryptocoryne look in a planted aquarium tank.