Echinodorus argentinensis (Echinodorus argentinensis) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Echinodorus grandiflorus (current name), Aquarius grandiflorus, Argentine sword
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Venezuela, also recorded in Florida
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
150 cm
Temperature
18–28°C
pH
5.5–7
Care level
expert
Lighting
Good light; iron and CO2 recommended

Care

Echinodorus argentinensis is now treated as a synonym of Echinodorus grandiflorus. Wikipedia now follows a 2018 revision that moves most swords out of Echinodorus into the genus Aquarius, so you will also see the name below. It grows in sticky mud along rivers, and its emersed leaf blades are 15–26 cm long on stalks of 80–120 cm, with flower stems 90–150 cm tall. It is a strong grower, too big for most aquariums, and its leaves often grow out of the water, so it suits very large tanks or ponds. It needs a deep, rich substrate and good light, with iron and CO2 helping. It copes with subtropical to tropical temperatures and seems to prefer soft water. Most plants offered under this group of names are probably E. palaefolius. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodorusgrandiflorus); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodorus); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Submerged plants send up flower stems that form plantlets instead of flowers; let these root, then cut them free and plant them. Large plants can also be divided at the rhizome. Emersed plants kept humid may flower and set seed, which can be sown on damp sand in warmth.

Compatibility and tank mates

Sword leaves are fairly tough, but large cichlids, goldfish and other diggers may uproot young plants or chew soft new leaves; root them well. Good with tetras, angelfish, discus and other tropical community fish. Snails may graze old leaves.

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

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