Marble Queen Radican Sword - Echinodorus cordifolius - Small

The Marble Queen Radican Sword is a variant of the natural Radican Sword, Echinodorus cordifolius. This sword has a very attractive and unique lighter and darker green marbled pattern on its large leaves. This pattern is often lost in lower lighting conditions so higher light is essentially to keep the distinctive appearance of this variation. "Sword Plants" come primarily from the Echinodorus genus and are marsh or bog plants from the tropical western hemisphere (North, South and Central America as well as some islands in the region). While there are around 3 scientifically accepted species, many species are cross-bred and propagated by hobbyists and nurseries to create numerous variants and hybrids. While swords may grow emerged in the wild (with their leaves out of the water), they are well adapted to submerged life in the aquarium as well. Emerged plants grow flowers, while submerged plants will reproduce by sending out runners to grow new plants. Most swords need high lighting to thrive. They also benefit from a nutrient-rich substrate and iron and CO2 supplements, especially in heavily planted aquariums. Visit That Fish Blog for more information from our marine biologists and aquatic staff on Planted Aquariums and other aquarium-related topics!