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Plant Freshwater Care: medium

Echinodorus Horizontalis

Echinodorus horizontalis
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Other names: Horizontal sword, Horizontal Amazon sword
Group: Rosette and bulb plants · Family: Alismataceae · Origin: South America — Amazon basin (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil)

An Amazon sword plant that holds its heart-based leaves almost horizontally on long stalks. Because its leaves open sideways rather than upward, it forms a wide but low rosette in the midground.

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature
22–28°C
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
2–10 dGH
Light
Medium
CO₂
Beneficial
Growth
Medium
Placement
Midground
Height
Up to 30 cm

Water parameters

Temperature22–28°C
pH5.5–7.5
General hardness (GH)2–10 dGH
Recommended range

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Echinodorus horizontalis takes its name from holding its leaves nearly parallel to the ground at the ends of long stalks. The leaves are lance-shaped with a slightly heart-shaped base and medium green; young leaves may show reddish tones. Thanks to this posture, the plant spreads sideways rather than upward and shades the plants below it. It comes from the soft, slightly acidic waters of the Amazon basin.

Planting and Placement

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

The roots are buried with the crown left exposed. A nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs are essential. Because it spreads sideways, leave at least 20 cm of space around it; do not put small, shade-intolerant plants beneath it.

Care and Fertilization

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit
  • Light: Medium.
  • CO₂: Not required, but it speeds up growth noticeably.
  • Water: Prefers soft, slightly acidic water; it slows down in very hard water.
  • Fertilizer: A root tab once a month; cut old outer leaves at the base.

Propagation

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Common Problems

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Hobbyist notes

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  1. Page created · October 16, 2026