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Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | yes |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | medium |
| Temperature Tolerance | 4°C / 39.20°F - 30°C / 86.00°F |
| Temperature | 20°C / 68.00°F - 27°C / 80.60°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 0-21 kh |
| pH Value | 5-8 ph |
| Light | medium-high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 5-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
Echinodorus berteroi, also known as Alisma berteroi, is an unusual sword plant that sets itself apart from other species within the Echinodorus genus. Native to regions spanning from the Midwest of the USA to central Argentina, with a notable presence on Caribbean Islands, this plant thrives in temporary water bodies like bogs and ponds that dry out for a significant portion of the year. Exhibiting an annual life cycle, E. berteroi germinates from seeds during the moist season, culminating in fruit ripening before the plant succumbs to the drying environment.
Aquarium Suitability
Considered suitable for aquariums, Echinodorus berteroi presents moderate demands and is generally easy to cultivate. The plant prefers hard to soft water, moderate to high light levels, and temperatures ideally ranging between 20-27 degrees Celsius. While it can withstand lower temperatures, a nutrient-rich substrate is recommended to support optimal growth. However, maintaining a high CO2 content is crucial to prevent the formation of a white-gray lime coat on the leaves due to biogenic decalcification.
Demands and Hardiness
E. berteroi is categorized as an easy-to-maintain plant in an aquarium environment. With its ability to adapt to varying water conditions and light intensities, this species can thrive when provided with appropriate care. It is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 4 degrees Celsius and as high as 30 degrees Celsius, making it a versatile addition to a range of aquatic setups.
Aquascaping & Usage
In aquascaping, Echinodorus berteroi serves well as a filler or background plant, adding a unique touch to the aesthetic composition. While younger plants can be positioned in the midground to complement colorful fish, mature specimens require significant space, with a single adult plant necessitating at least two-thirds of a 300-liter tank. Moreover, the semi-emersed growth of this plant makes it suitable for open tanks and paludaria, offering an interesting visual appeal with its distinctive foliage and flower stalks.
Propagation
Propagation of E. berteroi can be accomplished through various methods, including seeds, splitting, and cutting off daughter plants. By allowing the dry nutlets containing seeds to germinate in a suitable substrate, aquarists can cultivate new plants that can be grown either submersed for larger form or emersed for a unique display of flower stalks and leaves.
Habitat and Distribution
Preferring habitats characterized by temporary water bodies, Echinodorus berteroi is found in regions ranging from the Midwest of the USA to central Argentina and the Caribbean Islands. Thriving in locations such as bogs and ponds that experience recurring dry periods, this plant adapts to its environment by completing its life cycle within a few months, from seed germination to fruit maturation. Although once commonly traded, E. berteroi is now rarely cultivated due to its relatively time-consuming propagation process and the challenges associated with submersed rearing in contemporary aquatic plant nurseries.