Echinodorus argentinensis is a species of aquatic plant in the Alismataceae family, native to South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). It is a robust, semi-aquatic or aquatic plant often used in ponds and large aquariums due to its impressive size and attractive foliage.

Description:

• Leaves: Broad, lanceolate to oval, with prominent veining. Mature leaves can grow up to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) long.

• Color: Bright to dark green, sometimes with a slightly wavy edge.

• Growth Form: Rosette-forming, with long petioles (leaf stems) emerging from a central root crown.

• Size: Can reach up to 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) in height when fully grown.

• Flowers: Produces tall inflorescences with small white flowers when grown emersed (above water).

• Root System: Strong, fibrous roots that anchor well in substrate.

Care Tips:

1. Lighting:

   • Moderate to high light is ideal for healthy growth.

   • Can tolerate lower light but may grow more slowly and produce smaller leaves.

2. Water Parameters:

   • Temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C).

   • pH: 6.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral preferred).

   • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2-15 dGH).

3. Substrate:

   • Nutrient-rich substrate (such as aquarium soil or clay-based gravel) promotes vigorous growth.

   • Root tabs or liquid fertilizers help if the substrate is inert.

4. CO2 & Fertilization:

   • Benefits from CO2 supplementation but can grow well without it.

   • Regular fertilization (iron-rich fertilizers) prevents yellowing leaves.

5. Pruning & Maintenance:

   • Remove old, decaying leaves to encourage new growth.

   • Large specimens may need thinning if they overshadow other plants.

6. Propagation:

   • Produces adventitious plantlets on flower stalks when grown emersed.

   • Can also be divided by splitting the root crown.

Special Considerations:

• Best suited for larger aquariums or ponds due to its size.

• Can be grown emersed in paludariums or bog setups, where it may flower.

• Relatively undemanding but appreciates stable water conditions.

Would you like recommendations for tankmates or compatible plants?