Radicans sword (Echinodorus cordifolius) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Radicans sword, Spade-leaf sword, Creeping burhead, Aquarius cordifolius, Echinodorus radicans, Echinodorus cordifolius 'Fluitans'
Family
Alismataceae (water-plantain family)
Origin
South-eastern USA (Texas to Florida, north to Iowa), Mexico, the West Indies, Central and South America south to Paraguay
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
100 cm
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low light is enough; good light and CO2 help

Care

The radicans or spade-leaf sword is a stout perennial of marshes, swamps, ditches and ponds, up to 100 cm tall, with rounded, heart-shaped leaves. Wikipedia now follows a 2018 revision that moves most swords out of Echinodorus into the genus Aquarius, so you will also see it as Aquarius cordifolius. It is widely sold as a background specimen plant for large, deep tanks. Normal forms tend to grow up to the surface and produce floating and aerial leaves; trimming these keeps it submerged. Tropica's 'Fluitans' is a fairly fast-growing, wavy, light green form from Mexico, 20–50 cm, that tends to stay below the surface and makes large leaves just under it. Tropica rates 'Fluitans' easy, with low light and CO2 needs; Wikipedia recommends a rich substrate, good light and CO2. It is frost-sensitive, but can go into or beside ponds in warm climates. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinodoruscordifolius); 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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