Large-leaf Sword

Geographical Origin and Habitat: A marsh plant native to tropical South America, especially Brazil. Inhabits swamps, riverbanks, and temporarily flooded areas, growing both emersed and submerged.

Taxonomy & Genetics: Member of the Alismataceae family and Echinodorus genus. Known for its large, heart-shaped leaf blades on long stems.

Physical Structure: Develops a massive rosette and a large, fibrous root system. Emersed leaves are broad and heart-shaped, while submerged leaves are slightly narrower.

Color & Texture: Leaves are light green and smooth with highly visible longitudinal veins radiating from the leaf base.

Lighting & CO2: Medium to high light demand. Subdued light will stall growth. CO2 injection is not mandatory but helps support fast growth and larger leaf structure.

Nutrition & Substrate: Demands a deep, nutrient-rich substrate. Heavy root feeder; insert iron-rich root tabs near the root system to prevent leaf yellowing.

Water Chemistry: Adaptable to a wide range of water parameters. Temperature 20-28°C, pH 6.0-8.0, and water hardness from soft to hard.

Space Management & Placement: Suitable only for the background of large aquariums due to its height (up to 50 cm) and broad rosette. May grow emersed in open tanks.

Pruning: Cut old or decaying outer leaves near the base of the rosette to manage size and prevent shading of adjacent plants.

Risks & Diseases: Iron deficiency (chlorosis) causing pale, transparent, or yellow leaves. Large herbivorous fish may feed on the tender submerged leaves.