Broad-Leaved Dwarf Sword

Broad-Leaved Dwarf Sword

Broad-Leaved Dwarf Sword, botanically Echinodorus latifolius, is a fast-growing carpeting sword plant producing wider, broader leaves than the fine-leaved pygmy sword varieties — creating a more visually substantial foreground carpet with a bolder leaf scale. Unlike true carpet plants that require precise planting across a grid, Broad-Leaved Dwarf Sword spreads naturally via runners, gradually creating an organic, naturalistic carpet that suits nature-style aquascape compositions.

Care tip: Broad-Leaved Dwarf Sword is a root feeder that benefits greatly from a nutrient-rich substrate or regular root tabs. Maintain temperatures of 62–82°F and pH 6.2–7.5. CO₂ is recommended for this variety.

Growing to 2 to 4 inches under good light (taller under lower light as it reaches toward the surface), latifolius is a foreground plant that develops best when grown in nutrient-rich substrate. Runner production is vigorous under good conditions, spreading the carpet across the foreground with minimal intervention. CO₂ supplementation keeps the plant compact and encourages more horizontal, carpet-like spreading.

This easy to moderate plant grows in moderate to high lighting with CO₂ recommended. The broad temperature range of 62 to 82°F reflects genuine thermal adaptability and slight cold tolerance. A pH of 6.2 to 7.5 provides comfortable conditions. Regular root feeding through enriched substrate or root tabs supports vigorous runner production and the dense, healthy carpet that makes this species most effective.

In the aquascape, Broad-Leaved Dwarf Sword creates a naturally spreading, wide-leaved foreground carpet that suits nature-style and Dutch compositions where an organic, broader-leaved ground cover is preferred over the fine-leaved grass-like carpet plants. In low-tech setups it is one of the most reliably spreading carpet plants available, producing an increasingly full foreground coverage without requiring the extreme demands of Glossostigma or Hemianthus.

Broad-Leaved Dwarf Sword is a practical, accessible, and naturally beautiful foreground carpeting plant for planted aquariums at every level. Its broad leaves, vigorous runner production, and forgiving care requirements make it one of the most reliable carpeting sword plants in the hobby.

Care & Specifications