Echinodorus is one of the most popular aquarium plants. It is very decorative and quickly adapts to any conditions.
In natural conditions, it grows in North and South America. But many species are domesticated and used for landscaping aquariums.
Echinodorus is one of the most popular plants for the aquarium
Plant characteristic:
- conical or creeping rhizome with a diameter of 3 to 25 mm, depending on the species;
- linear, elliptical or oval petiole leaves arranged spirally;
- green, golden brown, raspberry or mixed color.
The plants lack a stem and the petioles grow directly from the rhizome. In adult specimens, thickenings form on the rhizome, on which buds grow. Of these, babies appear over time.
The total number of species exceeds fifty, excluding hybrid varieties. Among them there are miniature species that do not exceed 5 cm in height, and giants that grow up to 100 cm, annuals and perennials that grow under water or above water.
Popular types:
- Amazon. Spectacular and unpretentious plant. Consists of a dense rosette of long bright emerald leaves. Reaches a height of 40 cm. It can grow well even in a small container.
- Yarrow. Forms a wide spreading bush 60 cm high. The color varies from light green to dark emerald.
- Narrow-leaved. Hardy and unpretentious look. It has a lush rosette of long and slightly narrowed leaves 0,4 cm wide. The maximum height is 60 cm. It grows strongly, therefore it feels good only in large aquariums.
- Red flame. The reddish leaves have reddish-brown specks. Older leaves turn green. It grows to a height of no more than 30 cm.
- Red diamond. Stunted view. The xiphoid leaves have a beautiful ruby red hue. The plant grows darker with age.
- Ocelot. Differs in beautiful speckled leaves. Even in low light conditions, this feature does not disappear. Unpretentious view. It can reach a height of up to 40 cm and the same diameter.
- Mercedes. Forms a rosette of beautiful olive yellow leaves with a purple border. Their length can reach 35 cm. The bush can grow up to 30 cm wide. It throws out flower arrows 2-3 times a year.
- Rose. Medium-sized hybrid with light pink leaves of regular elliptical shape. The width of the bush is 25-30 cm.
The variety of species allows you to create a spectacular underwater garden from only one Echinodorus.
The plant is unpretentious, so beginners can start landscaping an aquarium with it.