Echinodorus bleheri

Echinodorus bleheri is native to the rivers and floodplains of tropical South America, particularly Brazil, where it grows partially submerged in slow-moving, nutrient-rich waters. In the aquarium it forms a large, symmetrical rosette of broad, lance-shaped, bright-green leaves that can reach 60 cm tall, making it a true statement background plant. It is one of the hardiest aquatic plants available — tolerating a wide range of water parameters and forgiving of inconsistent care — yet rewards good husbandry with vigorous, lush growth.

Light: Medium (30–60 PAR); thrives under standard community tank lighting. CO2: Not required; grows well without injection in nutrient-rich water. Fertiliser: Heavy root feeder — use root tabs every 3 months; supplement with liquid iron and macronutrients. Planting: Plant singly in the rear or corner; bury roots only, keep crown above substrate; allow 15–20 cm radius. Growth: Reaches 40–60 cm; remove old or yellowing outer leaves at the base as new ones emerge from the centre.