Echinodorus Muricatus

Almost every sword plant sold in North America begins life out of the water, grown emersed in nursery beds because it is faster and cleaner that way. Echinodorus muricatus is no exception, and the first thing a new owner usually notices is that the broad leaves it arrived with go soft and translucent after a week or two underwater. That is not a failure. The plant is discarding foliage built for air and replacing it with thinner, softer submerged leaves.

Aquarium care

• Cut away collapsing emersed leaves as they go. The crown and roots are what matter.
• Root tabs in the substrate do more for a sword than any liquid fertiliser.
• Plant roots down with the crown sitting at the substrate surface.
• Allow depth and a footprint. Broad-leaved swords spread wider than people plan for.
• Moderate light is sufficient once the plant has converted to submerged growth.

A solid background plant for medium and large community aquariums, and a reliable partner for angelfish, gouramis, larger tetras and corydoras that will not dig at the root ball.

Plant stock here rotates constantly. Local pickup at our Lethbridge store. Other Echinodorus options are here.