Echinodorus Harbich

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Round-leaf sword; Harbich Sword; Harbich Red; Harbich Green

Synonyms

Echinodorus 'Harbich Red'; Echinodorus 'Harbich Green'

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Captive-bred variety

Habitat

Cultivar with no wild habitat; grown as a submerged or emersed aquarium and paludarium plant, derived from South American amazon sword stock.

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rosette

Max height

4 – 12 in (10 – 30 cm)

Spread

12 in (30 cm)

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

Midground

Water

Temperature

68 – 82 °F (20 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.5

GH

3 – 15 dGH

dKH

2 – 15 dKH

PAR

30 – 80 PAR

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

Medium

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Green, Red

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Adventitious plantlets, Rhizome division

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Care guide

Overview

Bred from the larger Amazon sword, this compact mutation stays low and rounded rather than tall and lance-leaved. New leaves emerge reddish before maturing to classic sword green, forming a dense rosette. It roots heavily, so plant it in nutrient substrate or feed root tabs, and expect trimming as older leaves are shed.

Care

This compact sword cultivar forms a dense, low rosette of thick, rounded leaves and tolerates a wide range of water conditions, making it forgiving for newer keepers. It grows well under low to medium light without CO2, though supplemental lighting and a nutrient-rich substrate bring out deeper green coloration and firmer leaves. Being a heavy root feeder, it benefits from being planted in substrate rather than left unanchored, and old outer leaves should be trimmed periodically to make room for new growth.

Planting & trimming

Plant the crown directly into a nutrient-rich substrate or gravel bed, keeping the base of the rhizome at the soil line so the crown is not buried. Space plants generously since the rosette spreads wide as it matures, and allow room for the extensive root system to develop. Runners or plantlets that form on flower stalks can be separated and replanted once they have grown their own roots.

Fertilizing

Root tabs pushed near the base of the rosette are the most effective way to feed this plant, since it draws most of its nutrients through its thick root system rather than the water column. Liquid fertilizers with iron supplementation help maintain leaf color and vigor, particularly in inert substrates lacking natural nutrients. Pale new growth or thin, weak leaves usually signal a need for more root-level feeding rather than water column dosing.

Propagation

Propagation happens mainly through adventitious plantlets that form along the flower stalk (pedicel), which root and can be separated once developed, a process that occurs more reliably in open-top or emersed setups. Mature clumps can also be propagated by dividing the rhizome, ensuring each division retains healthy roots and at least one growth point.

Problems

Established specimens are generally hardy and resistant to melt once acclimated, though newly transplanted plants can shed a few older leaves before settling in. Low nutrient availability can cause new leaves to emerge pale or undersized, while excess light without adequate feeding may encourage algae to colonize the broad leaf surfaces. Removing yellowing or algae-covered leaves promptly keeps the rosette looking clean and directs energy toward new growth.

Sources

1. Echinodorus 'Harbich' - Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database
2. Echinodorus harbich - Fanie's Fishroom
3. Echinodorus cordifolius 'Harbich Red' - Dennerle Plants
4. Echinodorus 'Harbich' Aquatic Plant Care | Atlarium

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