Echinodorus radicans

Echinodorus macrophyllus is one of the large, orbiculate ''sword'' plants which grow up out of even large aquariums in good growing conditions. If light is available less than 11 hours a day it is easier to keep down inside the aquarium. It is suitable for open aquariums, where it forms decorative heart-shaped leaves above the water surface. It is a good idea to spray the plant to prevent it drying out. It used to be sold as Echinodorus ''radicans''.

Echinodorus radicans (family Alismataceae) is also a large species with  dark green heart shaped leaves. The veining on the leaves is different to  other species in that it has a few pronounced veins that are almost parallel  to each other. This is an excellent plant for a large open aquarium where  it will grow through the surface and flower if left to. Its propagation is  also by plantlets formed on the flower stalks. Echinodorus radicans can be  kept submerged in the aquarium but needs regular cutting back.

• Height: 30-50+ cm
• Width: 20-30+ cm
• Light requirements: medium-very high
• Temperature: 20-28 °C
• Hardness tolerance: very soft-hard
• pH tolerance: 5-8
• Growth: medium
• Demands: easy

Habitat

This is an aquatic emergent plant. It has very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens.