Echinodorus paniculatus (Micheli)

Amazon sword horizontalis

Echinodorus paniculatus is an aquatic plant native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. It is probably also present in Suriname.

This is a perennial plant that grows in various inundated habitats, including roadside ditches and other habitats disturbed by human activities. Its green, lanceolate leaves grow emersed and the plant flowers and grows fruits all year round. Echinodorus paniculatus can be included in a biotope aquarium and is perfect as a background plant. It is rather easy to care for, provided that the right conditions are recreated.

Submitted by: Natasha Khardina

GPS: -15.3842754, -60.1234016

Geographical region: South America
Drainage Basin: Paraná
River catchment
Water body type: Lagoon
Water body name: Baia Grande near Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade
Water body part: Marsh land
Water body course
Water body: tributary of: Wetland
Tributary name: Pantanal

Type locality: Guyana
Conservation status/IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated (NE)
Listed in CITES: No

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type: Fresh water
Water color: Clear water
Water transparency: High
Concentration of sediments: Medium
Water temperature: 22-28 °C
Water flow/curent: Slow

Chemical parameters

pH: 6-8
Conductivity
GH
KH
Dissolved Oxygen

Phytology

Plant form

Semi-submersed

Plant type

Rosulate

Plant size

30-50 cm

Plant growth rate

Fast

Plant light demand

Medium

CO2

None

Aquarium equipment

When planted with others of its kind, Echinodorus paniculatus can create a thick green “forest-like” effect.

This plant is a good choice for community fish tanks. However, it’s better not to include fish that would pick at the leaves and damage them very easily.

A high quality LED light should be added, too, as the plant needs moderate to strong lighting.

Plant care

Echinodorus paniculatus should be planted in a loose substrate or small grain gravel. The leaves are susceptible to algae growth, so any algae build-up should wiped away.

This kind of plants thrive when given iron rich fertiliser weekly, after water changes and without adding CO2. It will also benefit if provided with moderate to strong lighting.

Water care

Echinodorus paniculatus is easy to care for. The water should be kept in a tropical temperature range, 22-28°C. The pH should be kept neutral, in a range between 6 and 8. The water should be changed regularly.