Echinodorus tenellus turning bronze

[wijnands]

Apart from the sudden increase in growth the last two months I've also noticed that more and more new leafs are turning a bronze-brownish colour. What causes this?

 

[JayZH]

Its their nature color under good light. mine does it as well. I prefer it more on the reddish brown side.

just google image "Echinodorus tenellus brown" you will see many good examples.

 

[Mick.Dk]

Like Jay says - the standard tenellus will adapt to high light intensity, by producing red pigmentation in newest leaves => carpet appear bronze.
- if this colour is not what you want, there is a variation available: tenellus 'green', that will stay fresh green in high light intensity. The correct botanical name is Helanthium tenellus var. parvulum ( Echinodorus tenellus is also re-named Helanthium tenellus).