Echinodorus berteroi

Echinodorus berteroi, the Cellophane Plant or Upright Burhead, is native to North and Central America, growing in still or slow-moving shallow waters from the Caribbean through southern North America. Its submerged leaves are narrow, upright, and strikingly translucent — a pale, almost luminous green that gives the plant its common name. As the leaves approach the waterline they broaden and become more opaque, transitioning to the typical Echinodorus leaf form when grown emersed.

In the aquarium, it grows to 30–60 cm, occupying a background position where its translucent quality can be backlit to greatest effect. It is best placed in front of light-coloured hardscape or bright substrate to allow light transmission through the leaves. Growth is moderate and the plant is undemanding in terms of water chemistry and lighting, though it appreciates good root nutrition to sustain its tall stature.

E. berteroi is an unusual and underappreciated choice that rewards careful placement in the aquascape with an almost otherworldly luminous quality rarely found in aquatic plants.