Description
‘Small Bear’ has been commercially available since 1995 and is still one of the most popular red-leaved varieties. In aquariums this plant produces a compact rosette ranging from rust red to deep, dark red. Older plants can grow up to 25 cm. As with many Echinodorus varieties, there are major differences between emersed and submersed leaves. Greenhouse cultivation produces ‘Small Bear’ in a powerful green, but it develops red underwater leaves after just a few days in an aquarium. It’s a never-ending source of wonder!
Plant Profile
Genus:
Echinodorus
Species:
‘Small Bear’
Family:
Alismataceae
Origin:
Cultivar
Light:
high – medium
Temperature:
18-28°C
Growth rate:
moderate
Area:
Middleground
Height:
up to 25 cm
pH:
5-8
Water hardness:
very soft to hard
Co2:
20-30 mg/l
Propagation:
adventitious plantlets on the pedicel
Dennerle Echinodorus ‘Small Bear’ XXL for Singapore Display Tanks
We stock the XXL grade of ‘Small Bear’ for hobbyists who want a mature red rosette in their scape immediately rather than waiting months for growth. This long-popular cultivar forms a compact crown ranging from rust to deep red, holding its colour as a striking midground solitaire. The XXL plants arrive established, so they fill a new layout with presence from setup day, which works beautifully in larger condo display tanks with the floor loading to support them.
A key point we always mention: nursery-grown Small Bear emerges green from the greenhouse, then develops its red submerged leaves within days of going underwater, so do not worry if it looks plain on arrival. It tolerates our 27-29C ambient water and soft to hard ranges, but as a heavy root feeder it rewards nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs. Good lighting deepens the red; sparse light keeps it greener and leggier.
Browse the full echinodorus range for companions, and our Amazon sword care guide covers feeding heavy-rooted swords. The Echinodorus Ozelot care guide is a useful colour-variety reference too.
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