The Brazilian Sword

By Clint Norwood
 
Scientific Name: Echinodorus cordifolius
 
Range: Southern U.S. to Central America
 
Adult Size: Up to 60cm (24 inches)
 
Ease Of Keeping: Easy
 
Lighting: Dim to Medium
 
Aquarium Requirements: The cordifolius is a fast growing plant of the "sword plant" type. When grown in submerged conditions it will tend to grow out of the water and has to be pruned often. This plant is often kept in low light and with no fertilizer in an attempt to halt its growth. It is an extremely hardy species easy to keep in an aquarium or even in a pond in milder climates. When kept in ponds it will flower and produce an abundance of seeds that are viable, and its leaves will become wide and rounded. This plant does well in most aquarium conditions and pH and hardness are of little importance. It will flourish in temperatures of 15-30C (59-86 F).