Echinodorus uruguayensis 'Horemanii' Care Guide
Echinodorus uruguayensis 'Horemanii' is a tall narrow-leaved sword from cool, fast-flowing southeastern South American rivers, suited to soft-water tanks.
Overview
Echinodorus uruguayensis is a highly variable sword plant in the family Alismataceae, of which 'Horemanii' is one of the cultivated forms. It produces long, narrow, slightly wavy, oblong-lanceolate to band-shaped submersed leaves that range from medium and bottle green to dark red or even blackish depending on lighting and nutrients. It is grown as a tall solitary or background plant.
Taxonomy
- Family: Alismataceae
- Genus: Echinodorus
- Scientific name: Echinodorus uruguayensis 'Horemanii'
- Note: 'Horemanii' is a trade form of the variable E. uruguayensis
Habitat
Echinodorus uruguayensis is native to southeastern South America, in southern Brazil, southern Paraguay, Uruguay and northeastern Argentina. It is most frequently found in relatively cool rivers and rivulets with strong current and acidic water, which shapes its preference for cooler, soft, slightly acidic conditions in cultivation.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F); species optimum reported 16-24 °C
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Lighting: medium to high
- CO2: not required, but encourages faster growth and colour
- Growth rate: medium
- Maximum height: about 55 cm
- Placement: background
Planting and care
It is a heavy root feeder and needs a nutrient-rich substrate for robust growth. Slightly acidic water and stable conditions suit it best, and the reddish and blackish forms require a good supply of micronutrients, especially iron, to maintain their colour. CO2 fertilisation is not essential but supports faster, better-coloured growth.
Propagation
Propagation is by proliferating inflorescences and by division of the rootstock; daughter plants are separated and replanted once they have formed their own roots.