Echinodorus macrophyllus

Scientific name: Echinodorus macrophyllus

Family: Alismataceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 30 - 50 cm (11.81 - 19.69 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.7 - 7.7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 0 - 18°N (0 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 28 °C (68 - 82.4°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Rhizome

Origin (in the wild): South America

How fast these plants grow: Normal

Recommended substrate: Fine gravel

Demands on lighting: Bright

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Background

Family

Alismataceae

Origin

South America; these plants are found from Guyana up to Brazil and Argentina.

Propagation

Although this is a rhizome plant, division of the rhizome is not the only way this plant can be propagated. They will also develop adventitious plants 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

Medium

Short Description

This plant was formerly sold as Echinodorus radicans and is one of the larger sword plants available to buy. It is best to house these in an open top aquarium as the leaves will extend above the water surface and even flower stalks may be produced if the conditions are correct. It is best to spray any leaves that are out of the water to prevent them from drying out.