• Scientific name: Echinodorus cordifolius
• Synonim: Alisma cordifolia; Sagittaria radicans; E. radicans; E.ovalis; E. fluitans
• Common name: Radicans sword, Spade-leaf plant
• Family: Alismataceae
• Group: Aquarium plants
• Max height: 1,20 m
• Distribution: North America, Mexico
• Habitat: Marshes, swamps, shallow ponds
• Substrate: Rich
• Placement in aquarium: Background, middleground
• Planting density: 1 plant for 20 cm²
• Lighting needs: Bright
• Temperature: 18-25°C
• pH: 6,5-7,5
• Hardness: 3-14 NK°

Description: The leaves of this attractive swordplant are almost circular in shape, making the plant a dominant presence in a well-planted aquarium. Some color forms are available with attractive red-brown mottled leaves. To keep the plant short and tidy, remove large and older leaves and trim the roots occasionally. Provide plenty of iron-based fertilizers. An undemanding and relatively easy-to-keep species.

Echinodorus cordifolius belongs to the medium-sized to large sword plants requiring large aquariums for cultivation. Unfortunately, most of the cultivated populations with increasing size and in the long-day (a lighting period exceeding 12 hours) tend to protrude from the water with their cordate leaf blades. To suppress this undesired quality in aquarium cultivation it is advisable to limit the lighting period to 11 hours. If Echinodorus cordifolius is still being cultivated under long-day conditions, a nutrient-rich substrate as well as a not too powerful lighting setup should be used. Plants that have grown too large can be kept to a smaller size for a considerable period of time by radically removing leaves. Adventitious plants are best suited for the purpose of aquarium planting because these require many months until they need trimming. Those not inclined to go to these efforts, or who have aquariums with a height of less than 50 cm, should preferably utilize one of the smaller Echinodorus species. Cultivation of Echinodorus cordifolius is also possible in unheated room aquariums and outdoors during the summer months.