Echinodorus Argentinensis, commonly called the Argentine Sword, is a classic South American aquatic plant. A true aquatic, it works best in larger aquariums given its size, though it's also popular for Wabi Kusa and single-specimen displays. Like other Echinodorus, it's hardy and adapts to a wide range of parameters, making it suitable for beginners. Coloration is a bright green, with sturdy leaves. Skill Level Easy CO2 Optional Requires Aqua Soil Not required, but recommended — heavy root feeder Type Rooted Max Height 6-12"+ Placement Background Light Level Low to Medium (approx. 20-50 PAR) Origin South America Other Heavy root feeder — supplement with root tabs in inert substrates like sand or gravel. Care & Planting: Plant into a nutrient-rich substrate. Propagates by separating and replanting new plantlets from the base. A note on "melting": Like most Amazon Swords and Cryptocoryne species, this plant is farm-grown emersed (above water). When you first submerge it, don't be alarmed if the original leaves die back over the first few weeks — this is called melting, and it's a normal part of the transition, not a sign the plant is failing. Emersed leaves are built for air and only have stomata on their underside; once submerged, the plant sheds them in favor of new underwater leaves with stomata on both sides, better suited to absorbing CO2 from the water. New submersed growth typically appears within a few weeks.
