Blue Ram Posted October 27, 2010 Report Share Posted October 27, 2010 I have a large beautiful swordplant I bought at the CAS auction. I believe it is a red flame echindorus (Werner help me out here!). I put it in a terra cotta pot filled with substrate because the tank is being redone shortly. The plant is doing great and has new leaves coming all the time with good colour. The mature leaves are 12" high. Would it limit the size it will get if left in a pot or should I plant it in the substrate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morphine Posted October 27, 2010 Report Share Posted October 27, 2010 I would say plant it, that way the swords root systems can expand and gather nutrients from the substrate better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishclubgirl Posted October 27, 2010 Report Share Posted October 27, 2010 You could do either. If you want to keep it in a pot, make sure it doesn't get rootbound and use roottabs too. I do keep my swords in substrate as they're in my heavily planted tanks but they get sold when they get too big. My potted plants are crypts but that's because they're in my lower light grow out tanks.So it's your choice :smokey: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werner Posted October 27, 2010 Report Share Posted October 27, 2010 Is it one that I sold (#49)? I brought some 'Rose' swords and some 'Red Diamond' swords. The 'Rose' swords can get monstrous and take over the tank- I had one once that was over 3' tall when I got rid of it. If you want to keep it at a reasonable size, growing it in the pot might be a good idea. I have switched to the "Red Diamond" variety because they're a more "moderately" sized sword... plus the new leaves are a gorgeous purple. Could be either in or out of a pot, as you wish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Ram Posted October 28, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 How can I tell if it is the rose or red diamond? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werner Posted October 28, 2010 Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 The rose swords have long oval shaped leaves (rounded ends), new leaves are red to dark reddish brown. The red diamond leaves are more pointed, and new leaves are quite purplish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Ram Posted October 28, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2010 Werner this was one of your lots at the auction I purchased. I believe it is the "rose". I'll look closer this evening. Do you have any smaller or starter size diamonds available for sale? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werner Posted October 29, 2010 Report Share Posted October 29, 2010 My extra red diamonds all went to the auction. I'll check before the next CAS meeting for you though- my swords like to divide themselves at the base when I'm not looking... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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