Echinodorus latifolius

Echinodorus ‘Latifolius’ or Helanthium bolivianum "Latifolius", is a compact dwarf sword aquarium plant with bright green, broad, oval leaves that form dense carpets under optimal conditions. Its growth habit resembles a miniature Echinodorus, making it ideal for natural aquascapes and South American biotopes.

Growing to 5-10 cm tall, it spreads via runners, creating lush foreground carpets or midground groups in nano tanks. Its broad leaves provide a soft textured look, contrasting well with fine-leaved stem plants and hardscape elements.

This plant thrives under medium lighting, and while CO₂ injection is not mandatory, it significantly improves growth speed, density, and overall health. A nutrient-rich substrate is essential, as it is a heavy root feeder. Regular trimming of runners controls spread and maintains neat carpets.

Foreground aquarium carpet plant:

Does Helanthium bolivianum "Latifolius" need CO₂?
CO₂ is not required but enhances growth speed, density, and colour vibrancy.

Is Helanthium bolivianum "Latifolius" suitable for low-tech tanks?
Yes - it adapts well to medium lighting without CO₂, but growth will be slower.

How do you propagate Helanthium bolivianum "Latifolius"?
It propagates via runners which can be trimmed and replanted to expand the carpet.

What makes Helanthium bolivianum "Latifolius" unique?
Its broad-leaved compact rosettes form lush green carpets with minimal maintenance.