Echinodorus "Stardust"

• Common Name: Stardust Sword
• Scientific Name: Echinodorus 'Stardust'
• Plant Type: Rosette aquarium plant
• Origin: Cultivated aquarium hybrid
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Placement: Midground to background

Appearance

• Broad sword-shaped leaves
• Green to olive leaves with speckled / mottled patterns that give a “stardust” effect
• Dense rosette structure
• Typical size:
  • Height: 20–40 cm (8–16 in)
  • Width: 15–30 cm

Tank Requirements

• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to medium hard water
• Lighting: Medium to high
• CO₂: Not required but improves growth

Substrate & Nutrition

• Performs best in:
  • Nutrient-rich substrate
  • Root tabs
  • Regular micronutrients (especially iron)

Care Tips

• Do not bury the crown.
• Trim older outer leaves regularly.
• Stable nutrients help maintain stronger coloration and leaf quality.
• Give space—this plant expands as it matures.

Propagation

• Produces flower stalks with baby plantlets.
• Once roots develop, detach and plant separately.

Best Tank Companions

• Small tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras
• Shrimp
• Peaceful community fish

This plant works especially well as a single centerpiece sword plant in planted aquascapes.