Echinodorus Oriental

Echinodorus 'Oriental'

Also known as Oriental Sword

Echinodorus Oriental is a medium-sized sword plant featuring distinctive reddish-brown to olive-green leaves with prominent veining and a slightly wavy margin. It grows as a rosette from a rhizomatous base and is moderately fast-growing, making it suitable for midground to background placement in larger aquariums.

At a glance

CO₂: recommended
Growth: Medium
Placement: midground
Temp: 72–82°F; 22–28°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Compatible livestock

See all 5

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful algae eater that does not uproot plants or damage leaves

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, non-destructive community fish that pairs well with planted tanks

excellent

Otocinclus

Gentle algae grazer that will not disturb root feeders or rhizomes

excellent

German Blue Ram

Peaceful dwarf cichlid that respects plants and provides visual interest

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small shrimp that controls algae without damaging plant tissue

excellent

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Common diseases 4Melt on Transition, Iron Deficiency, Algae on Leaves, Rhizome Rot

Melt on Transition

Symptoms

Rapid leaf deterioration and melting when transitioning from emersed to fully submerged growth; older leaves yellow and dissolve

Treatment

Gradually acclimate plant to submerged conditions over 2-3 weeks; maintain stable water parameters and increase light and CO2 supplementation

Iron Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing of new leaves while veins remain green (interveinal chlorosis); stunted growth and pale coloration

Treatment

Dose liquid iron fertilizer weekly or use iron-rich root tabs; ensure adequate lighting and CO2 to support nutrient uptake

Algae on Leaves

Symptoms

Green spot algae, brown diatoms, or hair algae coating leaf surfaces; reduced photosynthesis and aesthetic appeal

Treatment

Increase water changes, reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily, add algae-eating fauna (Amano shrimp, Otocinclus), and manually remove affected leaves

Rhizome Rot

Symptoms

Soft, blackened base; foul odor; leaves detaching from crown; plant collapse

Treatment

Remove plant and trim away rotted tissue with sterile scissors; replant in fresh substrate with good water circulation; improve water quality and reduce organic buildup

Legality

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

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