🌿 Echinodorus cordifolius – Aquarium & Terrarium Care Sheet
Common Names: Radican Sword, Heartleaf Sword, Creeping Burhead
🔍 Overview
Echinodorus cordifolius is a robust, semi-aquatic rosette plant native to the Americas. It thrives in both submerged (aquarium) and emersed (terrarium or paludarium) environments, making it a versatile and beginner-friendly species. Known for its broad, heart-shaped leaves and tall flower stalks, it adds a dramatic, lush presence to any setup.
💡 Light Requirements
This species prefers moderate to high light in both submerged and emersed forms. Strong lighting enhances growth speed, leaf size, and coloration. In terrariums or paludariums, provide bright indirect light or full-spectrum grow lights.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Ideal Temperature Range: 22–30°C (minimum 18°C at night)
Humidity (for emersed/terrarium growth): 70–90%
The plant thrives in warm, tropical conditions whether submerged or emersed. In emersed setups, stable humidity is important to prevent leaf desiccation.
💧 Water & Substrate
Water Parameters (submerged):
pH: 6.5–7.5
KH: 3–10°
Temperature: 20–30°C
Substrate (all setups):
Nutrient-rich substrate is essential. Use aquasoil, enriched pond soil, or add root tabs regularly. Roots are heavy feeders and will deplete plain gravel or sand.
In terrariums or paludariums, keep the base of the plant in shallow water or moist soil. Avoid letting the crown sit submerged long-term, as it may rot in stagnant water.
🌱 Growth Habit & Size
Typical Size: 30–60 cm (submerged), up to 90 cm+ when grown emersed
The plant forms a strong central rosette and produces long-stemmed leaves. When conditions are ideal, it sends up flower stalks with white flowers that can also develop small plantlets.
🌸 Flowering & Propagation
In humid, warm conditions (especially emersed), E. cordifolius frequently flowers. The flower stalks can produce adventitious plantlets that root and grow when separated. You can also divide mature plants at the crown.
✂️ Maintenance
Trim older or yellowing leaves regularly.
In aquariums, manage size by removing flower stalks or trimming large leaves.
In terrariums, ensure airflow and moisture balance to avoid rot.
Thin out plantlets or divide as needed to prevent overcrowding.
📌 Placement & Use
In aquariums: Best used as a background plant in medium to large tanks. May outgrow nano setups.
In terrariums/paludariums: Ideal for riparian edges, shallow water zones, or large humid enclosures with good airflow. Can grow impressively tall with striking foliage and flowers.
✅ Summary
| Parameter | Aquarium | Terrarium/Paludarium |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Moderate to High | Bright indirect or artificial light |
| Temp | 20–30°C | 22–30°C, with high humidity |
| Substrate | Nutrient-rich, root tabs help | Moist soil or shallow water base |
| Fertilization | Root feeding preferred | Occasional soil/top dressing |
| CO₂ | Optional but beneficial | Not required |
| Propagation | Stalk plantlets, crown division | Same as aquarium |
| Suitability | Mid to large tanks | Paludariums, ripariums, terrariums |