Bolivian sword (Helanthium bolivianum) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Echinodorus bolivianus, Echinodorus quadricostatus, Echinodorus latifolius, Echinodorus magdalenensis, Bolivian sword, Dwarf sword
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
Southern Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and South America
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
15 cm
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 not needed

Care

A small sword plant of the water-plantain family from southern Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and South America, formerly Echinodorus bolivianus. Wikipedia lists Echinodorus quadricostatus, E. latifolius and E. magdalenensis among its synonyms, so plants sold under those names belong here too. Tropica sells it as Helanthium bolivianum 'Quadricostatus'. This is a small rosette plant with narrow, light green leaves about 10–15 cm long, and each rosette spreads to roughly 15–20 cm across. The bright colour stands out against darker plants. It looks best in groups in the foreground or the front of the midground, where its runners gradually fill gaps in the substrate. Tropica rates its version, Helanthium bolivianum 'Quadricostatus', as easy: it grows even in fairly dim light and does not need extra CO2. A nutrient-rich substrate or root tablets help it spread. Very pale leaves point to a shortage of micronutrients, so add a complete fertiliser if that happens. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. It comes from tropical lowland waters, so ordinary tropical temperatures suit it. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodoruslatifolius); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Under good conditions it sends out runners along the substrate, each producing a new rosette. Once a daughter plant has several leaves and its own roots, cut the runner and replant it where you want it.

Compatibility and tank mates

Its small, firm leaves are not usually eaten by community fish, shrimp or snails. Diggers such as large cichlids, goldfish and some loaches may uproot young plants before the runners have rooted. A good foreground plant for tropical community and shrimp tanks.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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