Echinodorus 'Fancy Twist'

Echinodorus 'Fancy Twist' is a stunning hybrid sword plant, prized for its broad, twisted leaves that display a marbled pattern of green, red, and pink hues. This ornamental cultivar adds dramatic flair and bold coloration to freshwater aquascapes, especially when grown under strong lighting. The signature “twist” in its leaves gives it a sculptural quality that makes it a striking focal point in large aquariums.

In aquascaping, Echinodorus 'Fancy Twist' is best used as a background or solitary centerpiece, particularly in open layouts or South American biotope-inspired tanks. When grown in nutrient-rich conditions with ample light and CO₂, it produces large, undulating leaves with intense color variation—new growth often emerges pink to deep red before maturing to variegated green. It pairs well with smaller, finer-leaved plants that let it shine without visual competition.

This plant thrives in medium to high lighting and benefits greatly from CO₂ injection, although it can adapt to low-tech setups with slower growth and less vibrant color. It is a heavy root feeder and requires a rich substrate—nutrient depletion will lead to pale or yellowing leaves. Supplemental root tabs and iron-rich fertilization support healthy growth and vivid pigmentation.

While generally easy to care for, it grows large over time and requires adequate space. Occasional pruning of outer leaves helps maintain shape and encourages new growth. If allowed to grow emersed, it may produce flower stalks and propagate via adventitious plantlets.

Care Tips:

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate essential; root tabs highly recommended.

• Lighting: Medium to high; higher light enhances red and pink coloration.

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Nutrients: High; root feeders with strong demand for iron and macros.

• Propagation: Adventitious plantlets from flower stalks (if emersed); also by rhizome division.

Growth: Moderate to fast
Lighting: Medium to high
Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Nutrients: High (especially root nutrients)
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate