Echinodorus paniculatus Care Guide
Echinodorus paniculatus is a large traditional Amazon sword with long lanceolate leaves, one of the original 'Amazon swords' of the South American sword complex.
Overview
Echinodorus paniculatus is a large sword plant in the family Alismataceae, sold for decades as one of the original 'Amazon swords'. It forms a dense rosette of long, lanceolate, bright-green leaves with slightly wavy margins that can reach around 40 cm. It is grown as a background specimen and is generally undemanding, making it suitable for beginners.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alismataceae
- Genus: Echinodorus
- Scientific name: Echinodorus paniculatus
- Note: long used as a trade name within the Amazon sword (E. grisebachii) complex
Habitat
The plant comes from tropical South America, growing in slow-moving rivers, ponds and marshes. Like other Amazon swords it is a wetland species that can grow either submersed or emersed depending on water level.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Lighting: moderate to high
- CO2: not required, but enhances growth
- Growth rate: medium
- Maximum height: about 50 cm
- Placement: background; minimum tank around 60 L, 100 L or larger recommended
Planting and care
As a heavy root feeder it needs a nutrient-rich substrate, with aqua soil or root tabs supplying nutrients in inert gravel. Adequate iron supply prevents leaf yellowing. Moderate to high light encourages faster growth and denser foliage. Given its eventual spread it is best placed at the back of medium to large aquariums.
Propagation
Propagation is vegetative, by adventitious plantlets that form on the flower stalks. Plantlets are separated and replanted once they have developed their own roots.