Echinodorus radicans

Echinodorus radicans is a large, vigorous species native to North and Central America (including the southeastern United States) that produces some of the most dramatically textured leaves in the genus. Its large, broadly ovate leaves feature very strongly corrugated, undulating margins that give the plant a ruffled, voluminous appearance unlike the smoother leaves of the common Amazon Sword. In well-nourished tanks it can reach 40–70 cm, making it one of the larger species available to aquarists.

Despite its impressive size, E. radicans is not particularly demanding and adapts well to a wide range of tropical water conditions. It is a vigorous root feeder that will quickly exhaust nutrient-poor substrate; root tabs are essential to sustain its rapid growth. It also has a tendency to send up emersed leaves and flower stalks if not trimmed, at which point it can produce a large quantity of daughter plantlets.

As a North American species it is cold-tolerant to approximately 18°C, making it suitable for subtropical aquariums and a good choice for paludarium culture where emersed and submerged growth zones coexist.

Light: Medium to high (40–70 PAR); higher light produces larger, more corrugated leaves. CO2: Not required; CO2 injection significantly boosts leaf size. Fertilisation: Root tabs every 2–3 months; weekly liquid NPK and iron are recommended. Placement: Background; solitary or grouped in pairs; allow 20–25 cm clearance per plant. Propagation: Abundant daughter plants on emersed flower stalks — detach once roots appear.