Propagating Echinodorus argentinensis (Argentine Sword)

How to multiply the large Argentine sword through adventitious plantlets on its flowering stem and by dividing the crown and rhizome of the mature rosette.

Overview

Echinodorus argentinensis is a robust subtropical sword from Argentina, growing as a perennial rosette of broad oval leaves. Like other Echinodorus, it can grow submersed, emersed or seasonally, and tolerates cooler water than most tropical swords. A mature plant forms a stout crown and, with age, a rhizome from which new plantlets can arise.

It is a heavy root feeder that grows best in a deep, nutrient-rich substrate with good light. These same conditions that drive strong growth also fuel the vigorous flowering stems and rhizome that you will use to propagate it.

Propagation Method

There are two reliable routes. The genus reproduces by division or by adventitious new plants developing on submerged flowering stems. When a large sword sends up a flower stalk, the submersed section grows small plantlets instead of flowers; you can also split the mature crown and rhizome.

Step-by-Step

Wait for a mature plant to send up a flowering stem and keep that stem submersed so plantlets form along it.
Allow each adventitious plantlet to develop its own leaves and a root system in the water.
When a plantlet has roots, remove that plantlet from the stalk and plant it in nutrient-rich substrate.
When all the plantlets are gone, remove the spent stalk.
To divide instead: lift the mature plant, and when trimming old leaves cut a section of the rhizome bearing a crown or new plantlets.
Replant each division with its roots in deep substrate, leaving the crown above the surface of the soil.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Deep, nutrient-rich substrate for this heavy root feeder.
Good light to support fast growth and flowering stems.
Cooler-tolerant temperatures (roughly 18-26 C) suit this subtropical species.
Soft to moderately hard water in a near-neutral pH range.

Maintenance

Trim old and dying leaves at the base to keep light reaching the crown. Because it feeds through the roots, replenish substrate nutrients periodically. Remove flowering stems only after their plantlets have been detached, so you do not waste developing daughter plants.

Common Challenges

Plantlets rotting if detached before they grow roots - wait until a root system forms.
Slow or stalled growth in lean substrate, since this is a heavy root feeder.
Crowns failing to root after division if buried too deep - keep the crown above the substrate.