Broadleaved Amazon Swordplant

Description

Echinodorus grisebachii 'Bleherae', also known as E. bleheri, originates from tropical America and belongs to the E. grisebachii group. It is commonly traded under this name but was previously mistakenly referred to as Echinodorus paniculatus. This plant grows amphibic in its native habitat, with submersed growth for most of the year and emersed leaves and flower stalks only during the dry season. In aquarium culture, it remains below waterline and transforms into a terrestrial form when removed from the water. It is well-suited for cultivation, grows quickly, and adapts to various environmental conditions. However, it can reach up to 60 cm in height and width, making it suitable only for large tanks. Solitary specimens can produce numerous leaves and are decorative eyecatchers. Echinodorus grisebachii 'Parviflorus' is a smaller alternative, growing up to 30 cm in height. Emersed cultivation requires high humidity, unlike some other Echinodorus species. The plant produces flower stalks more frequently in its terrestrial form than in its submersed form, and can be propagated through adventitious plantlets on the inflorescence.