Echinodorus 'Roter Oktober'

Echinodorus 'Roter Oktober' is a cultivar with no natural occurrence, raised in 2003 by Tomas Kaliebe of Altlandsberg from 'Indian Red' and 'Harbich Rot'.¹² It is one of the medium-sized cultivars: as a rule it grows no taller than 35 cm, and its width is given as up to 40 cm.¹ Broadly lanceolate blades with a rounded tip and slightly wavy margin sit on short stalks; they emerge bright red and later turn brownish green.¹ According to another account the blades become rounded and dull brownish red under water, the plants then reaching 25–30 cm; emersed it grows compact and bushy with pale green foliage and an orange heart leaf.²

The cultivar is described as suitable for beginners and propagates mainly by daughter plants on the inflorescence.¹ Additional fertilisation is recommended, as is an open position without shading to keep the colour bright.¹ It is rarely available in the trade.²