Dwarf sword (Echinodorus quadricostatus) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Helanthium bolivianum, Echinodorus bolivianus, 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

Echinodorus quadricostatus is an older name. Wikipedia lists it as a synonym of Helanthium bolivianum, the small sword plant of the water-plantain family from southern Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and South America; the page key keeps the listed name. Tropica sells it as Helanthium bolivianum 'Quadricostatus' and notes it has also been sold as Echinodorus bolivianus var. magdalenensis. 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.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.