Echinodorus cordifolius

Overview: Popular as Heartleaf Sword, Echinodorus cordifolius is an attractive aquatic plant that aquarists are fond of. It is native to South America, particularly found in the Amazon River basin, and is often used as a midground or background plant in aquariums. Being a fast-growing and less maintenance-requiring aquarium plant, it can be used by beginners as well. Also, it is hardy and versatile and amplifies the look of the tank.

Appearance: The large and broad heart-shaped leaves are the major attraction of Echinodorus cordifolius. Usually, the color of the leaves varies from light to dark green, depending upon the light provided to it. The plant can attain a height of around 30 to 60 cm under proper water parameters. It can grow even taller when the nutrient-rich substrate is provided and all other conditions are in its favor. The leaves are smooth in texture. When the plant grows above the water surface, it may produce white or pink leaves, too.

Hard/Soft Plant: Echinodorus cordifolius is a hard plant. The robust nature and the ability to withstand a diverse range of water conditions make it suitable for all types of environments. While it does best with stable parameters, it is known for being quite resilient, making it a great choice for beginners.

Ideal Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature for Echinodorus cordifolius is between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius. It is adaptable to a variety of temperature ranges but does best in the warmer conditions typical of tropical freshwater environments.

Lighting Conditions: Echinodorus cordifolius performs best when moderate to high light conditions are offered to it. Under low light conditions, the plant grows slowly, and the leaves will become smaller than usual with less vibrancy. If you seek healthy and relatively large leaves, try to provide the plant with moderate to high light conditions.

Ideal pH Level: The ideal temperature range for Echinodorus cordifolius is between 6.5 and 7.5. It keeps the plant's vigor and growth normal.

Other Requirements: Nutrient-rich substrate will ensure profuse root systems, which is typical of this plant. It will help the plant to grow healthily. Substrates that are soil-based or have fine gravel and sand are the best. While there is no need for additional carbon dioxide, supplementing the same will promote lush green and healthy growth.

Propagation: You can easily propagate Echinodorus cordifolius through puckering or cutting the plant's offshoots. There are small offshoots at the base that you can separate from the parent plant and grow individually. Also, this plant can be propagated by cutting off a healthy stem and replanting it into the substrate.

Do You Know: The long and heart-shaped leaves of the plant named it Heartleaf Sword. Often, it is confused with other species of Echinodorus, but the heart foliage always keeps it unique. Just like other sword plants, the heartleaf sword is also an excellent water filter and absorbs nutrients from the water readily. Thus, it helps in preventing algae.