Echinodorus latifolius

Scientific name: Echinodorus latifolius

Family: Alismataceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 10 - 15 cm (3.94 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.4

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Runners

Origin (in the wild): South America

How fast these plants grow: Fast

Recommended substrate: Fine gravel

Demands on lighting: Bright

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Foreground

Common Name

Dwarf Sword

Propagation

This plant will propagate itself by sending out runners from the mother plant. After a while, miniature plants will appear on the runners and these will soon develop roots. At this stage, the runner can be separated from the mother plant and the individual plants can be removed from the runner. They can now be placed in different placements in the aquarium. Ensure that the substrate is high in nutrients to encourage the new root growth.

Difficulty

Easy

Short Description

This plant will display light green leaves which will offer some contrast next to other aquatic plants. They look best when planted in groups, in a short time they will spread out to form a low carpet of plant life. Growth can be restricted if required by planting them in pots or between pebbles if you wish to keep them as specimen plants. Always check the leaves for signs of the colour fading as this is a sure sign of nutrient deficiency.

This plant has a strange habit of changing its leaf shape depending on whether it is emersed or submersed. If grown emersed the leaves will be rounder and wider but if kept under the water surface the leaves will grow slimmer and longer.

The plant will attempt to grow above the water surface but this can easily be prevented by nipping off the top leaves and then the secondary leaves should be quite happy to stay submerged as long as you wish to keep the plant in the aquarium.

When first added to the aquarium you may spot signs of decay on the outer leaves, this is nothing to worry about and is perfectly normal. To prevent having decaying leaves in the aquarium which could lower the quality, remove the outer leaves prior to planting and trim the roots to encourage new root growth.