Queen of hearts sword (Echinodorus tunicatus) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Aquarius tunicatus, Queen of Hearts
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
Central and northern South America: Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
90 cm
Care level
intermediate

Care

Now placed by Wikipedia in the genus Aquarius as Aquarius tunicatus; the page key keeps the listed name. It is sometimes sold as "Queen of Hearts" for its heart-shaped leaves. It was first collected in Panama in 1908 and has been recorded in Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil. This is a big plant: upright leaves reach up to 90 cm long, with heart-shaped blades about 15–30 cm long and 10–23 cm wide, and the flower stems grow 70–120 cm tall with whorls of white flowers. Our sources say nothing about its use under water, so it is best treated as a plant for very large tanks, open-topped tanks where leaves can grow above the surface, or paludariums. Give it a deep, rich substrate and good light. Water figures are not given by the sources; normal tropical conditions are likely to suit it. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodorustunicatus); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Wikipedia says it is propagated by division or from plantlets that form on the flower stems.

Compatibility and tank mates

The leaves are tough and most fish and snails leave them alone. Large cichlids and goldfish may dig the plant up while it is rooting, so weigh the base down with stones at first. Suits tropical community tanks; the large leaves give shy fish cover. Far too large for small 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.