Kleiner Bar Sword (Echinodorus sp. Kleiner Bar)

Kleiner Bar Sword (Echinodorus sp. Kleiner Bar) 

Kleiner Bar Sword is a standout Echinodorus hybrid that combines the classic “big-leaf sword” presence with the potential for beautiful reddish tones. In strong conditions, new growth can develop deeper red coloration; in more moderate setups, it often stays vibrant green with attractive reddish stems—still giving you that warm accent without needing a fully high-tech tank. As it matures, it forms a lush rosette that adds structure and a planted “backbone” look to the aquarium.

Kleiner Bar Sword Overview

This plant is best used as a background anchor or a focal plant in medium-to-large tanks. Its broad leaves create a full, natural backdrop that makes the whole aquascape feel more established.

Aquarists appreciate Kleiner Bar Sword for:

• Potential red coloration: richer reds with stronger light and steady nutrition
• Bold sword-plant structure: broad leaves that add depth and presence
• Great focal-point plant: stands out even in heavily planted layouts
• Practical coverage: naturally hides heaters, intakes, and other equipment

For aquascaping, Kleiner Bar Sword works beautifully as a “back wall” centerpiece. Place it behind rockwork or driftwood so the leaves rise up and frame the scene, then layer smaller plants in front to create a smooth transition from foreground to background. If you’re building a lush sword-focused layout, it pairs well with other sword varieties so you can mix sizes and leaf textures for a more natural, layered look.

Caring for Kleiner Bar Sword

Like most sword plants, Kleiner Bar Sword is a root feeder. It can survive in plain gravel, but it grows fuller, larger, and more colorful when the root zone is well-supported. A nutrient-rich substrate is ideal, and using root tabs near (not on top of) the crown helps keep growth steady over time—especially in inert sand or gravel.

For the deepest red tones, the key is consistency: good light, steady fertilization, and a well-fed substrate. Plant it with the crown just above the substrate line (don’t bury the crown), and trim older outer leaves at the base if they become shaded or collect algae. In stable conditions, it will gradually build into a dense rosette that becomes one of the main visual anchors of your tank.

• Light: Moderate (stronger light supports deeper red coloration)
• Temperature Range: 68–82°F
• Placement: Background
• CO₂: Not required (beneficial for faster growth)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Growth Rate: Moderate

If you love the bold, “lush jungle” look swords create, our Sword Plant category makes it easy to design a full, layered layout using multiple Echinodorus varieties. Start with larger focal swords in the background to build height and hide equipment, add mid-sized options like Red Rubin Sword for color and structure through the midground, and then finish the front with smaller sword-style plants (including micro sword options) for a clean transition into the foreground. Mixing leaf shapes, sizes, and color tones this way creates a cohesive, natural “sword forest” that looks intentionally planted from front to back—without needing constant replanting—because swords are built to root in, hold their form, and get more impressive as they mature.

Shopping With Confidence for Aquarium Plants at Modern Aquarium

When you’re buying live plants, the difference is rarely the species name—it’s the quality of the specimen, how it’s handled, and how it’s packed and shipped. At Modern Aquarium, we focus on delivering plants that arrive clean, healthy, and ready to thrive—backed by responsive support if you need a hand.

• Hand-inspected & prepared plants: Every plant is inspected and prepped before shipping so you receive healthy specimens, not a “grab-bag” pull.
• Fast, reliable shipping for live plants: We pack carefully and ship quickly by FedEx 2-Day Delivery to minimize transit stress and help plants arrive in great condition.
• Live Arrival Guarantee: Your live plant order is protected—so you can buy with confidence.
• Top Quality Store + real reviews: Modern Aquarium has been trusted and has thousands of verified customer reviews.
• Trusted Sourcing: Our plants are sourced from the best nursery in Florida and are handled with care from the grower to your aquarium.
• What You See Is What You Get: Every image on our site is a typical representation of the plants we sell—no unrealistic stock photos. Because live plants are natural products, individual specimens will vary in size, fullness, and coloration.
• Real support when you need it: Reach us via site chat or phone for practical help with sword-plant planting depth, root-feeding routines, and color improvement tips.

Bottom line: Kleiner Bar Sword is a high-impact background plant that brings classic sword structure with the added bonus of potential red tones. Give it a fed root zone, steady light, and a stable routine, and it will reward you with a lush rosette that anchors the aquascape and keeps the back of the tank looking full, natural, and intentionally designed. And, always check our best starter plants for your tank!