What plant is this?

Cassandra90

I bought this plant over a year ago at a local petco in one of those tubes. Yes, I know most of the time those are not true aquatic.

Well when I first bought this plant it looked way different. There was no large leaves like now. It was mostly stems reaching out with an oval shape leaf at the end. All of the stems have died and now I have this out of it. I think it is a beautiful plant and I would love to get more since I am planning on converting my tank to a full complete live planted tank. Every time I go to petco I look for it and I think they may not carry it anymore.

The plant is the bright green one next to the Java Fern.

Any one have suggestions on this?

Attached Images

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Byron

That is what is commonly called a sword plant. The genus is Echinodorus, widespread over South America and some species extend up through Central America. It is a true aquatic, and in my view one of the best aquarium plants.

There are many species; the one generally seen in stores is probably Echinodorus bleherae or Echinodorus amazonicus. Telling these two species apart (if they are separate, some say no) is difficult. Aquarium care is basically the same. You can find info on this plant in our profiles, click on the shaded name to see it. I won't repeat what's there, but it does need food (nutrients) and will grow larger depending upon actual species. You will also find out why the leaves changed, that is explained.

Byron.

SinCrisis

It is probably an Amazon Sword, its one of the few that are sold in the tubes that actually can become aquatic. The oval shape at the end is the terrestrial form of the plant. If you pulled it out and grew it emersed, it will start growing the oval shaped leaves. I think with the emersed form, you can get it to flower.