Echinodorus × maculatus

Description

Echinodorus maculatus is a species of sword plant known by various names, including Echinodorus schlueteri and Echinodorus aspersus. It originated from seed collected in Argentina and was first cultivated at Karel Rataj's nursery under the name Echinodorus aschersonianus "Rubromaculatus". The species is distinguished from true Echinodorus schlueteri by reddish-brown spots on its new leaves, a more pronounced leaf tip, flower stalks with more than two whorls, and a more robust growth under the same conditions. Submersed plants of E. maculatus are relatively low-growing, typically reaching heights of 5-25 cm, depending on nutrient availability. Their leaf blades are light to medium green, narrow-ovate to ovate, around 6-16 cm long, with a slightly undulate margin and a round to heart-shaped base. Emersed plants can grow taller, up to 45 cm, with longer leaf blades reaching lengths of up to 23 cm. The flower stalks of E. maculatus are overhanging or creeping, often with only three whorls on which adventitious plants develop. The flowers themselves are around 3.5 cm in diameter and have long peduncles. Aggregate fruits develop after self-pollination, containing many germinable seeds. This species is undemanding and highly adaptable regarding pH, temperature, lighting, and CO2 supply. It prefers a nutrient-rich substrate and grows especially lushly when provided with lots of nitrogen. In aquaria, it usually doesn't form floating or emersed leaves but can be induced to do so in shallow water with a large supply of macronutrients. Not only emersed plants form flower stalks with adventitious plants, but strong submersed ones do so as well. E. maculatus can be propagated by cutting apart the rhizome of older plants and can be planted solo or in small groups in aquaria. Emersed cultivation is easy, and during warm months, this plant can even be planted outdoors in loamy substrate rich in nutrients.