Echinodorus Quadricostatus

Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Echinodorus quadricostatus
• Common Name: Dwarf Sword, Narrow-leaf Chain Sword
• Origin: South America (primarily Brazil, Peru, and surrounding regions)
• Height: 5–15 cm (2–6 inches)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Care: Easy – beginner-friendly and very adaptable
• Light: Moderate – will grow in low light, but moderate to high light promotes compact, carpet-like growth
• CO₂: Optional – grows fine without CO₂, but supplementation encourages faster spreading and denser growth
• Propagation: Runners – sends out horizontal runners with plantlets that root nearby
• Growth Rate: Fast (especially under good light and nutrient conditions)

• Additional Notes:

  • Excellent foreground plant that can form a lush green carpet over time.
  • Often confused with Helanthium bolivianum or Echinodorus latifolius due to similarities in appearance.
  • Grows best in nutrient-rich substrate; root tabs can be used in inert substrates.
  • Leaves are typically bright green and slightly arching.
  • Perfect for nature-style or Dutch aquascapes.