Echinodorus 'Quadricostatus'

Echinodorus 'Quadricostatus' is a cultivated selection of the four-ribbed chain sword species (E. quadricostatus), chosen for its particularly vibrant leaf colour, vigorous runner production, and consistent compact habit that makes it an excellent performer as a foreground carpeting plant. Individual rosettes are narrow-leaved and upright, staying below 20 cm, with the characteristic four-rib venation clearly visible on each bright-green leaf blade.

The cultivar establishes quickly in a range of substrate types and does not require CO2 injection, making it one of the most accessible foreground plants in the hobby. Regular root feeding encourages faster runner spread and deeper, more vivid leaf colour. Under strong lighting it stays particularly compact and dense, producing a tight, even carpet.

This selection is ideal for aquarists seeking a reliable, low-maintenance foreground plant with fast coverage and consistent performance across a wide range of tank conditions — a dependable workhorse for planted aquariums of all levels of complexity.

Light: Medium (30–60 PAR); stronger light produces a shorter, denser carpet. CO2: Not required; CO2 supplementation significantly speeds up coverage. Fertilisation: Root tabs every 3 months; weekly liquid iron and trace elements. Placement: Foreground; plant 5–7 cm apart; runners fill the area within 4–6 weeks under good conditions. Propagation: Sever runners between daughter plants once each has 3+ leaves and independent roots.