Echinodorus Uruguayensis Variegated

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Uruguay sword; Uruguay sword plant; variegated Uruguay sword

Synonyms

Echinodorus africanus; Echinodorus horemanii; Echinodorus veronikae; Echinodorus viridis; Echinodorus osiris (in part)

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Uruguay, Southern Brazil, Southern Paraguay, Northeastern Argentina

Habitat

Cool, flowing rivers and streams with acidic water in southeastern South America; grows submersed, forming large colonies over networks of rhizomes

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Rosette

Max height

4 – 27 in (10 – 69 cm)

Spread

20 in (51 cm)

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

Midground, Background

Water

Temperature

68 – 78 °F (20 – 26 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.5

Flow

Moderate

Light

Medium

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

High

Colors

Green, Red, Brown, Variegated

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division, Plantlets, Adventitious plantlets

Something wrong or missing? Submit a correction

Care guide

Overview

Sends up broad rosette leaves splashed with cream and green streaks running along the veins, forming large colonies over time as its rhizome network spreads. Best reserved for the midground or background of bigger tanks, where several inches of space let the mature spread fill out. A heavy root feeder, it rewards steady root-tab feeding with continued variegation and size.

Care

A large rosette-forming sword plant that anchors the midground or background of bigger aquascapes, this species needs a nutrient-rich substrate to fill out well. Moderate to high lighting brings out its best color, from green through red to nearly blackish tones depending on the form, while low light produces a plainer green plant with slower growth. It tolerates a fairly wide pH range and is not fussy about water hardness, making it forgiving for most freshwater setups given adequate root feeding.

Planting & trimming

Remove any packing material or cotton from the roots before planting, then bury the root mass in a nutrient-rich substrate while keeping the crown at or just above the substrate line. Because it grows fairly large, give it several inches of clearance from neighboring plants and hardscape to accommodate its mature spread. Periodic removal of the oldest outer leaves keeps the rosette tidy and encourages continued fresh growth.

Fertilizing

As a heavy root feeder, it depends on nutrients drawn up through its extensive root system rather than the water column. In inert substrates like sand or gravel, push root tabs near the base every few weeks to sustain steady growth. Iron and other micronutrient supplementation helps maintain the deeper red and blackish leaf hues seen in some variegated and colored forms, and pale new growth is usually a sign of iron deficiency.

Propagation

Established plants send out adventitious plantlets along flower stalks or runners from the rhizome, which can be separated once they have developed their own root system. The long creeping rhizome can also be divided if it has produced multiple growth points. New plantlets should be left attached until roots are visible before cutting free.

Problems

Sudden changes in water chemistry or temperature can trigger melt, with older leaves yellowing and rotting before new growth resumes. Trim spent or damaged outer leaves at the base to redirect energy into fresh foliage and to keep algae from settling on decaying tissue. Given stable parameters and adequate root nutrition, this plant is generally resistant to disease and pest issues.

Sources

1. Echinodorus uruguayensis - Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database
2. Echinodorus Uruguayensis Variegated - Buce Plant
3. Echinodorus: Echinodorus Uruguayensis Variegated

More Sword plants

Amazon SwordEchinodorus AflameEchinodorus Big BearEchinodorus Chocolate MarbleEchinodorus Devils EyeEchinodorus Fancy Twist