More info
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 | 22°C / 71.60°F - 25°C / 77.00°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 maculatus, also known as the "Leopard Sword," is a popular aquatic plant in the hobby. Originally misidentified as Echinodorus schlueteri, it was officially described as a new species by botanist Jozef Somogyi in 2006. With reddish-brown spots on its leaves, the plant's distinguishing features include a pronounced leaf tip, robust growth, and flower stalks with multiple whorls.
Aquarium Suitability
Being undemanding and adaptable, E. maculatus is highly recommended for beginner aquarists. It thrives in a variety of water conditions and lighting levels. This plant prefers a nutrient-rich substrate and benefits from nitrogen-rich environments, making it ideal for tanks with a significant fish population.
Demands and Hardiness
Easily adaptable to pH, temperature, lighting, and CO2 levels, E. maculatus prefers a nutrient-rich environment. It can grow up to 25 cm in height in aquariums and up to 45 cm when emersed. Emersed cultivation is straightforward, and the plant can even be grown outdoors in nutrient-rich soil during warmer months.
Aquascaping & Usage
In aquariums, E. maculatus can be planted solitarily or in groups in the foreground or midground, making it versatile for various tank sizes. It can be used as a solitary plant in the background in smaller aquariums. The plant does not typically produce floating or emersed leaves unless in shallow water with ample macronutrients.
Propagation
Propagation of E. maculatus can be done by cutting apart the rhizome of older plants or through the proliferation of inflorescences, seeds, or splitting and cutting off daughter plants.
Habitat and Distribution
Believed to have originated from seeds collected in Argentina, Echinodorus maculatus is a versatile plant that can adapt to various environments. It can even hibernate outdoors, with new leaves sprouting in spring under suitable conditions.