Echinodorus sp.'Harbich'
Echinodorus 'Harbich' is the result of breeding with Echinodorus cordifolius red, but, unlike the latter, has a more compact appearance. It reaches a maximum height of 25 cm. It is very attractive and, because of its undemanding nature, it is ideal for novice aquarists.
Echinodorus sp.'Harbich' has rounded leaves with tiny hairs, shiny. This is how the leaves look in an airy environment. Under water, the leaves are considerably narrower. The leaf lamina is stiff and fairly tough. Young leaves have a reddish colouring and turn green as they grow older. Root system moderately developed. The growth rate is medium.
Plant the Echinodorus 'Harbich' bushes in the foreground of the aquarium. As the soil is desirable to apply coarse-grained river sand or fine gravel poured a layer of not less than 4 cm. The substrate should be moderately silted. Under the roots of the plant is desirable to put a few lumps of clay.
Water parameters: temperature 22-28° C, hardness dH 1-15°, pH 5,0-8,0. No CO2 feed is required. A weekly change of 1/3 of the aquarium water with fresh water is required.
Bright light with an intensity of 0.4 - 0.7 Watts per litre. About 12 hours of daylight per day. The leaves of the plant should be monitored to prevent algae growth, and if this should happen, the light intensity or duration should be reduced.
Reproduction
Under aquarium conditions, Echinodorus 'Harwich' is propagated vegetatively. Over time, the shrub produces flowering arrows. After a while, buds form on the arrows, but it never blooms. Instead of flowers, 2 or 3 daughter bunches are formed. It should be noted that no action needs to be taken to root the daughter bush, the flower arrow will gradually bend towards the substrate and the young shoots will quickly take root and begin to grow. Separate the flower arrow from the young shoot only when the young shrub has sufficiently large leaves.
The Echinodorus harbicus can also be grown in damp greenhouse conditions, where it develops much better with large rounded leaves.
The plant propagates in the air in the same way as it does underwater, but in this case it may also flower, although it does not produce seeds.
