Echinodorus 'Rubin'

Echinodorus 'Rubin' is a large-growing hybrid that has been in the trade since 1993.¹² Its breeder, Hans Barth of Dessau, states that he selected it from a hybrid population of E. horemanii “red” and E. × barthii.¹³ Well-fed specimens are said to reach about 1 m, otherwise up to 60 cm; their leathery leaves have a slightly wavy margin and a very narrowly elliptical blade 3–5 cm wide and 15–35 cm long.¹³ It is mainly the young leaves that glow reddish brown, while older ones turn dark olive green; depending on conditions the tone extends to wine red, and the pale green veins stand out.¹²³

As a fast-growing, undemanding specimen plant, it is intended for the background of large aquariums; it copes with both soft and hard water and needs no added CO₂.¹²³ Some nurseries propagate it by tissue culture; there is also a considerably smaller, narrow-leaved form.¹