Ech: Cordifolius marble queen (Green)

Overview

Echinodorus cordifolius 'Marble Queen' is a sword plant with large heart-shaped leaves marbled in green and cream. It makes a bold centrepiece and can grow big, so it suits medium to large tanks.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 3–15 dGH

Lighting, CO₂ & Nutrients

• Light: Medium
• CO₂: Optional — helps colour and size
• Nutrients: Heavy root feeder — nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs every 1–2 months, plus liquid fertiliser

Placement & Growth

• Position: Midground to background centrepiece
• Size: Large: 20–40 cm
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Difficulty: Beginner

Planting & Care

• Plant with the crown just above the substrate; do not bury the crown
• Push a root tab close to the roots after planting and refill every 1–2 months
• Remove old outer leaves at the base to keep the plant tidy
• If it sends leaves above the water, trim them to keep it growing underwater

Propagation

• Produces flower stems that grow new plantlets; peg the stem down or cut the plantlet once it has roots
• Mature plants can be divided at the rhizome

Common Issues

• Yellowing older leaves usually means hungry roots — add root tabs
• New plants often drop a few leaves while adapting; new leaves follow