Echinodorus horizontalis, a medium-sized sword plant from the Amazon region, thrives in shaded areas of marsh woods and temporarily flooded forests. It adapts to changing water levels by developing submersed leaves that resemble its emersed ones. In the aquarium, it grows well when cultivated submersed and even produces flower stalks. Hobbyists play a crucial role in preserving this species, as it is now rarely cultivated and hard to find. The leaves of E. horizontalis are longish-oval, with transparent grid-like patterns and a light to medium green color. It reaches a height of 15 to 20 cm in aquariums but can spread its leaf rosette to 30 to 50 cm. It prefers slightly acidic water, good CO2 supply, and nutrient-rich substrate. Iron deficiency may cause chlorosis.
- Sold as emerged bare-root plants, bunch plants, or potted plants
- Bare-root plants: loose, bare-root plants
- Bunch plants: rooted plants, bundled with foam and the plant’s weight
- Potted plants: rooted plants, potted with rockwool
Disclaimer: Pictures are not the actual plants you will receive, but a sample representation. Unless specific, we don’t guarantee aquatic plants will be free of pests, and pesticides, grow emerged, or submerge.
Scientific Name |
Echinodorus pseudohorizontalis |
Synonyms | Echinodorus horizontalis rataj |
Common Name |
Horizontal sword |
Plant Type |
Rosette |
Placement |
Midground |
CO2 |
Not required |
Growth Rates |
Slow |
Difficulty Level |
Intermediate |
Nutrient Substrate |
Required |
Can it grow emerged? |
Yes |
Lighting Requirements |
Medium – High |