Echinodorus Argentinensis

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Echinodorus argentinensis
• Common Name: Argentine Sword
• Origin: South America (primarily Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay)
• Height: 40–60 cm (16–24 inches), can grow taller in optimal conditions
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• Care: Easy to moderate
• Light: Moderate to high
• CO₂: Not required, but beneficial for optimal growth
• Propagation: Adventitious plantlets on flower stalks (runners)
• Growth Rate: Moderate

🌱 Care Notes

• Leaf Texture: Echinodorus argentinensis features broad, elongated, bright green leaves that can grow very large, giving the plant a bold, dramatic appearance. It's similar in look to other large Amazon sword varieties.
• Placement: Best used in the background of large aquariums. Due to its size and rapid vertical growth, it's ideal for tall tanks or for creating a dense, lush backdrop.
• Water Conditions: Prefers soft to moderately hard water and does well in tropical temperatures between 22–28°C (72–82°F). It is relatively adaptable but prefers stable water chemistry.
• Lighting: Needs moderate to high lighting to grow well. In lower light conditions, growth will slow, and leaf size may be reduced.
• CO₂: Optional, but adding CO₂ can significantly improve growth speed, leaf size, and overall health, especially in high-tech or nutrient-rich tanks.
• Fertilization: A nutrient-rich substrate is highly recommended, as it is a heavy root feeder. Supplement with root tabs and occasional liquid fertilizers for best results.
• Propagation: Reproduces by sending out flower stalks that produce plantlets. Once the plantlets form roots and a few leaves, they can be separated and replanted.
• Growth Rate: Moderate; faster with CO₂ and strong lighting.