Echinodorus cordifolius

Family
Alismataceae

Common Name
Spade Leaf Sword

Origin
This plant is found in boggy areas of Mexico and also in North America.

Propagation
If grown as a terrestrial plant it will produce flower stalks and the flowers can easily be brushed with a small paintbrush to fertilise them. In the aquarium flower stalks will not be produced but adventitious plants will be formed around the mother plant. To propagate these it is simply a matter of prying them free from the rosette of leaves and re-planting them in the substrate. Ensure that they get nutrients added straight away to encourage the new root growth.

Difficulty
Easy

Short Description
These plants can grow quite large so are more suitable for a larger aquarium. They require a substrate that is rich in nutrients and bright lighting. They will display a marbled leaf surface once they have settled into the tank but it is quite normal for many if the leaves die back initially and then re-grow.